False Teachers in 2 Corinthians

Paul ends his letter to the Corinthian church giving attention, in three of the four final chapters of the Book, to false teachers and the Corinthian church's willingness to receive them.

He begins by addressing the accusations leveled at him in the epistles (letters) he's written. The accusation was that his written correspondence was hard, but his personal presence was unimpressive (NASB). Another accusation he addressed was that he was quick to be bold in his accomplishments, especially as he compared himself with others. Paul said both these accusations have no respect for the truth about him.

Why were these accusations (and others) leveled against Paul and those working alongside him? In 2 Corinthians 11:12, Paul gives the answer. "And what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate any opportunity for those who want a chance to be regarded as our equals in the things they boast about" (NET).

He goes further than this. He boldly declares these false prophets as workers for Satan (2 Cor. 11:13-15).

Paul knew that his charge might not be readily accepted, so he compares himself to them in order to make clear that boasting has no place with God, but it did with them (the Corinthians church), so he was going to employ it to make a point (11:16-12:13).

False teachers are a real problem in the Lord's church. They are destructive to the spiritual health of others and, consequently, they split the brethren and the local church. False teachers are NOT those who have opinions on a particular topic that is different from others, but those who deny an express teaching of the Lord.

The best way to thwart false teachers is twofold: first, hold steady to the express teachings of the New Testament as revealed by Jesus; second, have strong, spiritual men in positions of leadership, especially in the role of elders. False teachers need to be opposed, but in the opposition, let the brethren take heed to themselves lest they also fall.