2 Corinthians 11:13-15 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”
Paul’s concern in today’s New Testament reading is that the people he led to faith in Christ in Corinth, the church that he founded, would be led astray from their sincere and pure devotion in Christ (v.3). The issue is the Corinthian acceptance and reception of so-called “spiritual leaders” whom Paul describes as false apostles and deceitful workers. The calling of God is a sacred thing. There are those who aspire to be spiritual leaders who may not be called. Notice the wording of verse 13 – “…transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.” Some people want it so bad that they call themselves into it rather than God calling them into ministry.
The masquerade that is taking place in Corinth is not too far from what is happening in the church world today both spiritually and politically. The reason this is happening is because of deception. Paul’s concern is that the Corinthians are being deceived just like Eve was deceived (v.3). How can this happen? I believe verse 4 holds the key: “For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” We can put up with a lot of stuff in the name of tolerance. Tolerance is the path to deception. This allows Satan’s ministers to transform themselves into something they are not, thus hoodwinking the people of God.
Today’s Old Testament reading in Isaiah 5:13 says, “Therefore My people have gone into captivity because they have no knowledge.” Stay alert, stay knowledgeable, and be careful what you tolerate. The masquerade is in full swing.