Sharp Warnings Born From Love

Whether Paul receives new reports from the church in Corinth or not, we are not sure. He may be addressing a change in the Corinthian church or a small remnant of people who still accept and commend the ministry and false teaching of these "super apostles" which is why we see a sharp change in the tone of the letter of 2 Corinthians. He fears that, as Eve was deceived by the cunning of Satan, the Corinthian church is in danger of following after lies and liars who distort the gospel. In response to this group, who obstinately follows these false apostles, he engages in boasting of his sincere ministry to them. With wit, he reminds them of his sincere love for them as a plea to reject what is false and hold fast to the gospel message. Paul uncloaks the true nature of these false apostles, who claim to be servants of righteousness, but are actually servants of Satan in disguise.