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2 Corinthians Chapter Eleven

2 Corinthians 11

In chapter 11, jealous with regard to his beloved Corinthians with a godly jealousy, he carries yet further his arguments relating to false teachers. He asks the faithful in Corinth to bear with him a little, while he acts like a fool in speaking of himself. He had espoused them as a chaste virgin to Christ, and he feared lest any should corrupt their minds, leading them away from the simplicity that is in Him. If the Corinthians had received another Christ from the teachers lately come among them, or another Spirit, or another gospel, they might well bear with what these teachers did. But certainly the apostle had not been a whit behind in his instructions, even if they compared him with the most renowned of the apostles. Had he wronged them by receiving nothing at their hands (as these new teachers boasted of doing), and in taking money from other assemblies, and never being a burden to them?-a subject for boasting, of which no one should deprive him in the regions of Achaia. Had he refused to take anything from them because he loved them not? God knew-No; it was to deprive the false teachers of a means of commending themselves to them by labouring gratuitously among them, while the apostle received money. He would deprive them of this boast, for they were false apostles. As Satan transformed himself into an angel of light, so his instruments made themselves ministers of righteousness. But again let them bear with him while he spoke as a fool in speaking of himself. If these ministers of Satan accredited themselves as Jews, as of the ancient religion of God, consecrated by its antiquity and its traditions, he could do as much, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, and possessing all the titles to glory of which they boasted. And if it was a question of christian service-to speak as a fool-certainly the comparison would not fail to shew where the devotedness had been. Here in fact God has allowed this invasion of the apostle's work by these wretched judaising men (calling themselves Christians) to be the means of acquainting us with something of the indefatigable labours of the apostle, carried on in a thousand circumstances of which we have no account. In the Acts God has given us the history of the establishment of the assembly in the great principles on which it was founded, and the phases through which it passed on coming out of Judaism. The apostle will have his own reward in the kingdom of glory, not by speaking of it among men. Nevertheless it is profitable for our faith to have some knowledge of christian devotedness, as it was manifested in the life of the apostle. The folly of the Corinthians has been the means of furnishing us with a little glimpse of it.

Troubles and dangers without, incessant anxieties within, a courage that quailed before no peril, a love for poor sinners and for the assembly that nothing chilled-these few lines sketch the picture of a life of such absolute devotedness that it touches the coldest heart; it makes us fee] all our selfishness, and bend the knee before Him who was the living source of the blessed apostle's devotedness, before Him whose glory inspired it.

── John Darby《Synopsis of 2 Corinthians》

2 Corinthians 11

Chapter Contents

The apostle gives the reasons for speaking in his own commendation. (1-14) Shows that he had freely preached the gospel. (5-15) Explains what he was going to add in defence of his own character. (16-21) He gives an account of his labours, cares, sufferings, dangers, and deliverances. (22-33)

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:1-4

(Read 2 Corinthians 11:1-4)

The apostle desired to preserve the Corinthians from being corrupted by the false apostles. There is but one Jesus, one Spirit, and one gospel, to be preached to them, and received by them; and why should any be prejudiced, by the devices of an adversary, against him who first taught them in faith? They should not listen to men, who, without cause, would draw them away from those who were the means of their conversion.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5-15

(Read 2 Corinthians 11:5-15)

It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:16-21

(Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-21)

It is the duty and practice of Christians to humble themselves, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord; yet prudence must direct in what it is needful to do things which we may do lawfully, even the speaking of what God has wrought for us, and in us, and by us. Doubtless here is reference to facts in which the character of the false apostles had been shown. It is astonishing to see how such men bring their followers into bondage, and how they take from them and insult them.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:22-33

(Read 2 Corinthians 11:22-33)

The apostle gives an account of his labours and sufferings; not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ; and shows wherein he excelled the false apostles, who tried to lessen his character and usefulness. It astonishes us to reflect on this account of his dangers, hardships, and sufferings, and to observe his patience, perseverance, diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all these trials. See what little reason we have to love the pomp and plenty of this world, when this blessed apostle felt so much hardship in it. Our utmost diligence and services appear unworthy of notice when compared with his, and our difficulties and trials scarcely can be perceived. It may well lead us to inquire whether or not we really are followers of Christ. Here we may study patience, courage, and firm trust in God. Here we may learn to think less of ourselves; and we should ever strictly keep to truth, as in God's presence; and should refer all to his glory, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for evermore.

── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 2 Corinthians》

2 Corinthians 11

Verse 1

[1] Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.

I wish ye would bear — So does he pave the way for what might otherwise have given offence.

With my folly — Of commending myself; which to many may appear folly; and really would be so, were it not on this occasion absolutely necessary.

Verse 2

[2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

For — The cause of his seeming folly is expressed in this and the following verse; the cause why they should bear with him, 2 Corinthians 11:4.

Verse 3

[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

But I fear — Love is full of these fears.

Lest as the serpent — A most apposite comparison.

Deceived Eve — Simple, ignorant of evil.

By his subtilty — Which is in the highest degree dangerous to such a disposition.

So your minds — We might therefore be tempted, even if there were no sin in us.

Might be corrupted — Losing their virginal purity.

From the simplicity that is in Christ — That simplicity which is lovingly intent on him alone, seeking no other person or thing.

Verse 4

[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

If indeed — Any could show you another Saviour, a more powerful Spirit, a better gospel.

Ye might well bear with him — But this is impossible.

Verse 6

[6] But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

If I am unskilful in speech — If I speak in a plain, unadorned way, like an unlearned person. So the Greek word properly signifies.

Verse 7

[7] Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

Have I committed an offence — Will any turn this into an objection? In humbling myself - To work at my trade.

That ye might be exalted — To be children of God.

Verse 8

[8] I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

I spoiled other churches — I, as it were, took the spoils of them: it is a military term. Taking wages (or pay, another military word) of them - When I came to you at first.

And when I was present with you, and wanted — My work not quite supplying my necessities.

I was chargeable to no man — Of Corinth.

Verse 9

[9] And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

For — I choose to receive help from the poor Macedonians, rather than the rich Corinthians! Were the poor in all ages more generous than the rich?

Verse 10

[10] As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

This my boasting shall not be stopped — For I will receive nothing from you.

Verse 11

[11] Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

Do I refuse to receive anything of you, because I love you not? God knoweth that is not the case.

Verse 12

[12] But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

Who desire any occasion — To censure me.

That wherein they boast, they may be found even as we — They boasted of being "burdensome to no man." But it was a vain boast in them, though not in the apostle.

Verse 14

[14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Satan himself is transformed — Uses to transform himself; to put on the fairest appearances.

Verse 15

[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Therefore it is no great, no strange, thing; whose end, notwithstanding all their disguises, shall be according to their works.

Verse 16

[16] I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

I say again — He premises a new apology to this new commendation of himself.

Let no man think me a fool — Let none think I do this without the utmost necessity. But if any do think me foolish herein, yet bear with my folly.

Verse 17

[17] That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

I speak not after the Lord — Not by an express command from him; though still under the direction of his Spirit.

But as it were foolishly — In such a manner as many may think foolish.

Verse 18

[18] Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

After the flesh — That is, in external things.

Verse 19

[19] For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.

Being wise — A beautiful irony.

Verse 20

[20] For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

For ye suffer — Not only the folly, but the gross abuses, of those false apostles.

If a man enslave you — Lord it over you in the most arbitrary manner.

If he devour you — By his exorbitant demands; not - withstanding his boast of not being burdensome.

If he take from you — By open violence.

If he exalt himself — By the most unbounded self-commendation.

If he smite you on the face — (A very possible case,) under pretence of divine zeal.

Verse 21

[21] I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

I speak with regard to reproach, as though we had been weak — I say, "Bear with me," even on supposition that the weakness be real which they reproach me with.

Verse 22

[22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.

Are they Hebrews, Israelites, the seed of Abraham — These were the heads on which they boasted.

Verse 23

[23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

I am more so than they.

In deaths often — Surrounding me in the most dreadful forms.

Verse 24

[24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

Five times I received from the Jews forty stripes save one — Which was the utmost that the law allowed. With the Romans he sometimes pleaded his privilege as a Roman; but from the Jews he suffered all things.

Verse 25

[25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Thrice I have been shipwrecked — Before his voyage to Rome.

In the deep — Probably floating on some part of the vessel.

Verse 27

[27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

In cold and nakedness — Having no place where to lay my head; no convenient raiment to cover me; yet appearing before noble-men, governors, kings; and not being ashamed.

Verse 28

[28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

Beside the things which are from without — Which I suffer on the account of others; namely, the care of all the churches - A more modest expression than if he had said, the care of the whole church. All - Even those I have not seen in the flesh. St. Peter himself could not have said this in so strong a sense.

Verse 29

[29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

Who — So he had not only the care of the churches, but of every person therein.

Is weak, and I am not weak — By sympathy, as well as by condescension.

Who is offended — Hindered in, or turned out of, the good way.

And I burn not — Being pained as though I had fire in my bosom.

Verse 30

[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

I will glory of the things that concern my infirmities — Of what shows my weakness, rather than my strength.

Verse 32

[32] In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

The governor under Aretas — King of Arabia and Syria of which Damascus was a chief city, willing to oblige the Jews, kept the city - Setting guards at all the gates day and night.

Verse 33

[33] And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Through a window — Of an house which stood on the city wall.

── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 2 Corinthians》

Chapter 11. Godly Jealousy

Who Is Weak
And I Do Not Feel Weak

I. Lose Sincere and Pure Devotion to Christ

1. Lead Astray
2. Three "Deception"
3. Watch Out

II. Preach the Gospel Free of Charge

1. Supply from Elsewhere
2. Not to be a Burden to the Church
3. Love Is the Greatest

III. Paul's Sufferings

1. Willing to be Foolish
2. Willing to Suffer
3. Boast of His Weakness

── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
 
Chapter Eleven General Review
 
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
 
1) To understand why Paul felt it necessary to engage in "foolish 
 boasting"
 
2) To see how one might be misled by "false apostles" and "deceitful 
 workers"
 
3) To appreciate the great amount of suffering Paul endured as a 
 minister of Christ
 
SUMMARY
 
As Paul continues defending his apostolic authority, he finds it
necessary to engage in "a little folly." He does so out of concern for
their faithfulness to Christ and his fear that others may have
corrupted their minds from the simplicity that is in Christ (1-4). He
also finds himself having to explain why he did not accept support from
them. Evidently this was the basis for charges against him by those
who considered themselves "the most eminent apostles". But Paul, who
had good reasons for not accepting their support, recognizes these
detractors as they really were: "false apostles" and "deceitful
workers" (5-15).
 
While not desiring to act foolishly, he finds it necessary since it 
seems that the Corinthians are so willing to accept those who do
(16-21). With some foolish boldness, then, Paul claims equal footing
with his detractors as it pertains to physical heritage. But when it
comes to service as a minister of Christ, he far surpasses them as is 
evident in the things he suffered. After listing many examples of
suffering, he concludes that if he must boast it will be in the things
which concern his infirmity, giving his escape from Damascus as an
illustration (22-33).
 
OUTLINE
 
I. THE NECESSITY FOR SOME "FOOLISH BOASTING" (1-21)
 
 A. OUT OF CONCERN FOR THEIR FAITHFULNESS (1-4)
 1. He resorts to a little folly, because with godly jealousy he
 seeks to present them as a chaste virgin to Christ (1-2)
 2. Because of their seeming willingness to receive those who 
 offer a different Jesus, spirit, and gospel, he fears that
 their minds may be corrupted (3-4)
 
 B. BECAUSE OF COMPARISON WITH FALSE APOSTLES (5-15)
 1. Though untrained in speech, it is not the case with knowledge,
 and Paul has demonstrated that he is not inferior to the "most
 eminent apostles" (5-6)
 2. The reasons he refused to accept support from them (7-12)
 a. While with them, he received support from other churches
 (7-9a)
 b. He is determined to continue this practice of not being a
 burden to them (9b-10)
 c. Not because he does not love them, but to cut off 
 opportunity for those who wish to be regarded as Paul in 
 matters of which they boast (11-12)
 3. These boasters are "false apostles" (13-15)
 a. As deceitful workers, they transform themselves into 
 apostles of Christ (13)
 b. This is no great marvel, for if Satan transforms himself
 into an angel of light, similar tactics can be expected of
 his ministers (14-15)
 
 C. WITH GREAT RELUCTANCE (16-21)
 1. Paul is no fool, but for those who think otherwise, then 
 receive him as a fool as he begins to boast (16)
 2. Boasting is foolish and not of the Lord, but seeing that many
 boast and they seem to put up with them gladly in their 
 wisdom, then Paul will boast too (17-19)
 3. Since they seem willing to endure those who abuse them, Paul
 will be bold and boast a little as well (20-21)
 
II. THE GROUNDS FOR HIS "FOOLISH BOASTING" (22-33)
 
 A. HIS PHYSICAL HERITAGE (22)
 1. Like his opponents, He is a Hebrew
 2. Like his opponents, He is an Israelite
 3. Like his opponents, He is of the seed of Abraham
 
 B. HIS SACRIFICIAL SERVICE AS A MINISTER OF CHRIST (23-33)
 1. It is foolish to speak of his opponents as ministers of 
 Christ, but if so, Paul is one much more (23a)
  2. He has labored more, and suffered more, than they (23b)
 3. A list of the suffering Paul endured as a minister of Christ
 (24-29)
 a. Five times he was beaten with 39 stripes by the Jews (24)
 b. Three times he was been with rods (25a)
 c. Once he was stoned (25b)
 d. Three times he was shipwrecked (25c)
 e. A night and a day in the deep (25d)
 f. Miscellaneous perils on his many journeys (26)
 g. Miscellaneous discomforts (27)
  h. His daily concern for the condition of churches (28-29)
 4. If he must boast, then let it be concerning his infirmity 
 (30-33)
 a. His "infirmity" (possibly his "thorn in the flesh" of 
 11:7-10) was the persecution he endured in service to 
 Christ
 b. As an example, having to flee Damascus (31-33)
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
 
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
 - The necessity for some "foolish boasting" (1-21)
 - The grounds for his "foolish boasting" (22-33)
 
2) How did Paul desire to present the Corinthians to Christ? (2)
 - As a chaste virgin
 
3) What was Paul fearful of concerning the Corinthians? (3)
 - That their minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in
  Christ
 
4) What were they seemingly willing to put up with? (4)
 - Those who preach a different Jesus, offer a different spirit, and
 a different gospel
 
5) In what area did Paul concede that he was untrained? In what area
 was this not so? (6)
 - In speech; in knowledge
 
6) What practice of Paul evidently was used as a charge against him?
 (7)
 - Preaching of the gospel of God free of charge
 
7) While at Corinth, from whom did Paul receive support? (8-9)
 - Other churches, brethren from Macedonia
 
8) Why would Paul continue the practice of not accepting support from
 the Corinthians? (12)
 - To cut off opportunity for those who wish to boast that they are
 just like Paul
 
9) How does Paul describe these opponents of his? (13)
 - False apostles, deceitful workers
 
10) How does Satan often transform himself? And his ministers?
 (14-15)
 - As an angel of light; as ministers of righteousness
 
11) How did Paul view the confidence of boasting? (17)
 - Not according to the Lord; as foolishness
 
12) Then why does Paul engage in such boasting? (18-19)
 - Because many others were doing it, and the Corinthians seem to 
 gladly accept them
 
13) In what three ways was Paul equal to his opponents? (22)
 - He was a Hebrew, an Israelite, and of the seed of Abraham
 
14) List five things endured by Paul as a minister of Christ (24-25)
 - Five times he was beaten with 39 stripes
 - Three times he was beaten with rods
 - Once he was stoned
 - Three times he was shipwrecked
 - A night and a day he spent in the deep
 
15) If Paul must boast, in what would he boast? (30)
 - In the things that concern his infirmity
 
16) What event does he relate as an example of his infirmity? (31-33)
 - The escape from the governor of Damascus

A Different Jesus, Spirit, And Gospel (11:4)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. In 2 Co 11:1-4, Paul expresses his grave concern for the brethren in
 Corinth...
 a. With a godly jealousy, he is fearful their minds may have been
 corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ - 2 Co 11:1-3
 b. With a touch of irony, perhaps even sarcasm, he refers to their
 seeming willingness to put up with someone who might teach 
 "another Jesus", "a different spirit", even "a different gospel" 
 - 2 Co 11:4
  1) He most likely has reference to "Judaizing teachers"
 2) These were Jewish believers in Christ who taught Gentiles had
 to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses (cf. Ac 15:1-29;
 Ga 2:1-5)
 
2. The problem Paul faced is not unique to his day and age; even 
 today...
 a. There are people who teach a "Jesus" different than the One
 revealed in the Bible
 b. Many claim to be led by the "Spirit", who in fact may heeding a 
 different "spirit"
 c. What is often proclaimed as the "gospel", has been altered in its
 message so as to be different than the gospel proclaimed by the
 apostles of Christ
 
3. The danger of leaving "the simplicity that is in Christ" is very 
 real, and so I wish to...
 a. Identify how some actually preach "A Different Jesus, Spirit, And
 Gospel"
 b. Briefly review what the Bible teaches about Jesus, the Spirit, 
 and the gospel of Christ
 
[Let's begin with the idea of...]
 
I. A DIFFERENT JESUS
 
 A. A DIFFERENT JESUS AS PREACHED BY SOME TODAY...
 1. Some "non-Christian" religions, of course, teach a different
 Jesus
 a. That Jesus was at best simply a good man or teacher (e.g.,
 Judaism)
 b. That Jesus was at best a prophet of God (e.g., Islam)
 2. But some professing "Christian" religions also teach a 
 different Jesus
 a. That He is a created being (Jehovah Witnesses)
 b. That He is a god among many gods (Mormons)
 c. The "Jesus Seminar" has sought to redefine who Jesus was,
 by stripping Him of many of the teachings and miracles
 attributed to Him in the Bible
 
 B. THE TRUE JESUS IS THE ONE REVEALED BY HIS APOSTLES...
 1. As eyewitnesses who spent time with Him, only they are 
 qualified to testify as to who Jesus was - cf. Ac 10:39-41; 
 2 Pe 1:16; 1 Jn 1:1-2
 2. Their testimony, as recorded in the New Testament, reveal 
 Jesus to be:
 a. The Christ, the Son of the Living God - Mt 16:16
 b. The One who was with God, and was God - Jn 1:1-2
 c. The One in Whom all the fullness of God dwells bodily -
 Co 2:9-10
 d. The One Who died for our sins and rose from the dead, as
 foretold in the Old Testament scriptures - 1 Co 15:1-4
 e. The One Who teaches that many will be lost, and requires an
 obedient faith - Mt 7:13-14,21-23; 28:20
 
[In truth, the only reliable historical record that we have of Jesus is
the New Testament, written by those who either knew Jesus intimately,
or were personal acquaintances of His apostles. If we desire to know
the "true" Jesus, it is to them we must turn!
 
As we continue, consider some thoughts related to...]
 
II. A DIFFERENT SPIRIT
 
 A. MANY PEOPLE PROFESS TO BE LED BY THE SPIRIT TODAY...
 1. It is quite common to hear people say, "The Spirit led me to 
 do this, believe that..."
 a. They believe the Holy Spirit leads through impressions,
 intuition, etc.
  b. They believe the Holy Spirit is so leading people in all
 the denominations
 2. Yet these same people teach conflicting doctrines
 a. Some believe the Spirit tells them pray to Mary; others say
 the Spirit tells them that is blasphemous
 b. Some believe the Spirit confirms to them that Joseph Smith
 is a prophet, others are convinced the Spirit tells them he
 was a false prophet
 c. In one highly publicized case, one church said the Spirit
 led them to sell their church building at a set price; but
 another church wanting to buy the building said the Spirit
 told them the price was too high!
 -- We can appreciate the wisdom of John's admonition to "test the
 spirits" - 1 Jn 4:1
 
 B. THE TRUE SPIRIT IS THAT WHICH INSPIRED THE APOSTLES...
 1. Who was to guide them into all the truth - Jn 16:12-13
 2. Who did not lead them through impressions that could be 
 misinterpreted, but through audible and sometimes visual means
 that could be confirmed miraculously
 a. Note that the Spirit "said" to Philip... - cf. Ac 8:29
 b. Note that while Paul's "impression" was to go one way, the 
 Holy Spirit made it clear where He wanted them to go - cf.
 Ac 16:6-7
 -- I.e., the Spirit did not, and does not lead people in ways
 that might be confused with impressions or wishes of the
 human spirit
 3. The Spirit led the apostles into "all" the truth
 a. Paul had proclaimed the "whole counsel of God" - Ac 20:27
 b. Peter had been given "all things that pertain to life and
 godliness" - 2 Pe 1:3
 c. The faith was "once for all" delivered unto the saints - 
 Ju 3
 4. The Spirit "confirmed" the completed revelation by signs and
 wonders - He 2:1-4
 a. Therefore our task is to "give the more earnest heed" to
 those things revealed by the Spirit through the apostles
 and prophets of the New Testament
 b. Or as per Jude, to "contend earnestly for the faith once
 delivered" - Ju 3
 -- We can "test the spirits" by comparing them with the revealed
 and confirmed Word of God, for that is how the Spirit speaks
 to us today!
 
[So much religious confusion is the result of people listening to their
own "human spirit", when what we need to do is return to that Word of
God which the Spirit revealed in the first place!
 
Finally, it saddens me deeply to say that many sincere people are 
teaching...]
 
III. A DIFFERENT GOSPEL
 
 A. MANY PEOPLE PROCLAIM A DIFFERENT GOSPEL TODAY...
 1. Two extreme views of the gospel are often preached
 a. Salvation by works (i.e., we are saved by meritorious 
 deeds)
 b. Salvation by faith alone (i.e., obedience not required)
 -- Actually, these two extremes are simply over-reactions 
 against each other
 2. To illustrate, consider the subject of baptism
 a. Some teach that baptism without faith saves
 b. Others teach that faith without baptism saves
 -- Jesus taught that both faith and baptism saves - Mk 16:16
 3. As we seek to proclaim the true gospel, we need to remember
 that any change results in a "perverted gospel", against which
 Paul warned - Ga 1:8-9
 
 B. THE TRUE GOSPEL IS THAT WHICH THE APOSTLES PROCLAIMED...
 1. Their gospel contained "facts to believe", such as:
 a. Jesus was crucified for our sins - 1 Co 15:1-3
 b. He was raised from the dead - 1 Co 15:4
 c. He is exalted as Lord and Savior - Ac 2:33-36
 d. He is coming again to execute judgment and be glorified 
  - 2 Th 1:7-10
 2. Their gospel also contained "commands to obey" (cf. 2 Th 1:8;
 1 Pe 4:17; in which we learn the gospel must be "obeyed");
 such commands include:
 a. Believing Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God - Ac 8:35-37
 b. Confessing your faith in Jesus as Lord - Ro 10:9-10
 c. Repenting of your sins - Ac 2:38; 3:19; 17:30
 d. Being baptized for the remission of your sins - Mk 16:
 15-16; Ac 2:38; 22:16
 e. Remaining faithful to the Lord until death - Mt 28:19-20;
 Re 2:10
 3. And their gospel contained wonderful "promises to receive",
 including:
 a. The remission of sins - Ac 2:38; 3:19
 b. The gift of the Holy Spirit - Ac 2:38; cf. Jn 7:37-39;
 Ac 5:32
 c. The gift of eternal life - Ro 6:23
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. The warning against receiving "A Different Jesus, Spirit, And 
 Gospel" is a timely one...
 a. There are literally thousands of different denominations, 
 teaching conflicting doctrines
 b. Many have developed doctrines that are distinctly different as it
 relates to:
 1) Who Jesus is
 2) How the Spirit reveals His truth to us
 3) What constitutes the gospel of Jesus Christ
 
2. Who, and what, is the true Jesus, Spirit and gospel? - cf. 2 Co 11:4
 a. The true Jesus is the One the apostles preached
 b. The true Spirit is the One received by the early Christians, Who
 guided them into the truth which is fully and completely revealed
 in the pages of the New Testament
 c. The true gospel is that one proclaimed by the apostles and 
 received by the early church
 
3. Brethren, be careful lest "your minds...be corrupted from the 
 simplicity that is in Christ"!
 a. Satan would love to deceive us like he did with Eve
 b. He has his own "ministers of righteousness" working in his behalf
 - cf. 2 Co 11:13-15
 
The only way to avoid being deceived is to be like the Christians in
Jerusalem who "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine..." 
(Ac 2:42). Whose doctrine are you heeding?

－－《Executable Outlines》

Godly Jealousy

Who Is Weak

And I Do Not Feel Weak

I. Lose Sincere and Pure Devotion to Christ

1. Lead Astray

2. Three “Deception”

3. Watch Out

II.Preach the Gospel free of Charge

1. Supply from Elsewhere

2. Not to be a Burden to the Church

3. Love Is the Greatest

III. Paul’s Sufferings

1. Willing to be Foolish

2. Willing to Suffer

3. Boast of His Weakness

－－ Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》