2 Corinthians – Chapter Eleven VI

by Ed Urzi

“For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things” (2 Corinthians 11:5-6).

The false teachers who sought to displace Paul the Apostle within the Corinthian church apparently chose to identify themselves as “super-apostles” (HCSB), “highest apostles” (MKJV), or “the most eminent apostles” (NASB). Yet despite those lofty designations, Paul did not feel inferior to any of them. However, this passage might prompt a question from those who are familiar with Paul and his writings.

You see, Paul made what seems to be a contradictory statement in his earlier letter to the Corinthians when he said, “…I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:9). So which is correct? Was Paul the least of the apostles or was he “…as good as any of those super apostles?” (CEV). Well, here is how one Biblical scholar addresses that question…

“…Here Paul claimed, “I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles” (2 Cor. 11:5). And elsewhere he would have us believe that he is “the least of the apostles” (1 Cor. 15:9). But it would seem that both cannot be true.

SOLUTION: Paul is speaking in different contexts. In one passage, he is speaking with respect to his ability, training, and zeal. However, unlike the other apostles, Paul had persecuted the church of Christ before his conversion and, therefore, considered himself unworthy even to be an apostle (cf. Gal. 1:13; Acts 9:1). So with respect to his preconversion antagonism to Christ he rightly considered himself “the least of the apostles.” (1)

So even though Paul claimed to be the least of the apostles and chief among sinners according to 1 Timothy 1:13-15, that did not mean he was any less than those who claimed a similar degree of apostolic authority. In fact, the evidence of Paul’s calling had been “thoroughly manifested” (or “made perfectly clear” [CEV]) to the members of the Corinthian church.

Finally, one source makes an important observation in regard to this passage: “(Paul’s) apostleship was not a matter of show but of substance. What Paul said was more important than how he said it. The Corinthians could not deny the content of his message and its transforming consequences…” (2)

(1) Geisler, N. L., & Howe, T. A. (1992). When critics ask : a popular handbook on Bible difficulties (p. 472). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

(2) John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Bible Knowledge Commentary [11:5-6] ® 1983 John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck