I consider myselfPaul begins with a personal assertion, emphasizing his self-awareness and confidence in his apostolic authority. This reflects his deep conviction and understanding of his calling by Christ (
Acts 9:15-16). His use of "I consider" indicates a thoughtful and deliberate assessment of his position, not based on pride but on the truth of his mission.
in no way inferior
Paul addresses the accusations and doubts cast by his opponents. The phrase suggests a defense against claims of inadequacy or lack of authority. This echoes his earlier defense of his ministry in2 Corinthians 3:5-6, where he states that his competence comes from God. It highlights the theme of divine empowerment over human credentials.
to those “super-apostles.”
The term "super-apostles" is likely used sarcastically to refer to individuals who claimed superior authority or credentials. These figures may have boasted of their rhetorical skills or Jewish heritage (2 Corinthians 11:22). Paul contrasts their self-promotion with his own sufferings and weaknesses, which he presents as evidence of true apostolic ministry (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). This phrase also connects to the broader theme of false teachings and the need for discernment within the church, as seen inGalatians 1:6-9.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is defending his apostolic authority against those he sarcastically refers to as "super-apostles."
2.
Super-ApostlesA term used by Paul to describe certain individuals in Corinth who were challenging his authority and promoting themselves as superior apostles.
3.
CorinthA major city in ancient Greece where Paul established a church. The city was known for its wealth, diversity, and moral challenges.
4.
The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with internal divisions and external influences that questioned Paul's authority.
5.
Apostolic AuthorityThe concept of authority given by Christ to His apostles to teach, lead, and establish churches.
Teaching Points
Understanding True AuthorityPaul’s confidence in his calling comes from God, not human validation. Believers should seek God’s approval above all.
Discernment in LeadershipThe church must discern true spiritual leadership based on biblical truth and character, not charisma or self-promotion.
Humility in ServiceDespite his authority, Paul models humility. Christians are called to serve with humility, recognizing that all authority is from God.
Guarding Against False TeachingsJust as Paul warned the Corinthians, believers today must be vigilant against teachings that deviate from the gospel.
Unity in the Body of ChristPaul’s defense of his apostleship is ultimately for the unity and edification of the church. Christians should strive for unity in truth.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 11:5?
2.How does 2 Corinthians 11:5 affirm Paul's authority compared to other apostles?
3.What qualities made Paul "in no way inferior" to the "super-apostles"?
4.How can we discern true apostleship today, based on 2 Corinthians 11:5?
5.In what ways can we apply Paul's confidence in our own ministry work?
6.How does 2 Corinthians 11:5 encourage us to value our spiritual leaders?
7.How does 2 Corinthians 11:5 challenge the authority of modern church leaders?
8.Why does Paul compare himself to "super-apostles" in 2 Corinthians 11:5?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 11:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 11?
11.2 Corinthians 11:5 – Who were the so-called “super-apostles,” and why do we lack clear historical confirmation of their identity or influence?
12.Who were the super-apostles in early Christianity?
13.What are the Nag Hammadi writings?
14.What is the meaning of "Angel of Light"?What Does 2 Corinthians 11:5 Mean
I consider myselfPaul begins with a personal affirmation: “I consider myself….” He is speaking plainly about how he views his own ministry.
• He is not boasting in the flesh, but stating a settled conviction born from God’s calling (2 Corinthians 10:17;Galatians 1:15-16).
• Earlier he wrote, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17). His self-assessment rests on what the Lord has done through him, not on self-promotion.
• His aim is to protect the Corinthian believers from being swayed by flashy outsiders (Acts 20:29-30).
In no way inferiorPaul insists he is “in no way inferior,” countering accusations that he lacks credentials or eloquence.
• He had already addressed this: “Even if I am unskilled in speech, I am not in knowledge” (2 Corinthians 11:6).
• God authenticates true apostles with fruit and endurance, not merely oratory (1 Corinthians 2:1-5;2 Corinthians 6:4-10).
• Signs, wonders, and perseverance in suffering marked Paul’s ministry (2 Corinthians 12:11-12;Acts 14:19-20).
• By saying “in no way,” he leaves no room for compromise: the gospel he preaches is fully authoritative (Galatians 1:11-12).
To those “super-apostles”The term “super-apostles” is Paul’s ironic label for the intruders who claimed a higher status.
• They boasted in letters of recommendation and outward impressiveness (2 Corinthians 3:1; 10:10-12).
• Their message mixed legalism and self-glory, leading believers away from “the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).
• Paul contrasts their self-exaltation with his own humble service: “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).
• By exposing their false superiority, he guards the church against deception similar to what he later calls “another Jesus…a different spirit…a different gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4).
summary2 Corinthians 11:5 shows Paul confidently defending his God-given apostleship. He knows, before God and the Corinthians, that he lacks nothing essential—despite what self-styled “super-apostles” claim. Grounded in the Lord’s calling, demonstrated by authentic fruit, and centered on the true gospel, Paul’s ministry stands equal to any, protecting believers from error and pointing them unwaveringly to Christ.
(5)
For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.--The verb with which the sentence opens is the same as the "I think," "I reckon," which characterises these chapters, and which, being characteristic, ought to be retained.
I reckon I have not fallen short of those apostles-extraordinary. The whole tone of the passage ought to have made it impossible for any commentator to imagine that the words referred to Peter and James and John as the pillars of the Church of Jerusalem (
Galatians 2:9). Of them he speaks, even in his boldest moments, with respect, even where respect is mingled with reproof. He is glad to remember how they gave to him and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship. He presents himself at Jerusalem a few months after writing these words, and almost submissively follows the counsel which James gives him (
Acts 21:26). It is, accordingly, simply the insanity of controversy to imagine that these words have any bearing on the question of the primacy of St. Peter. Those whom he holds up to scorn with an almost withering irony, as "apostles-extraordinary" (he coins a word which literally means, "these
extra-special or
over-extra apostles"), are the false teachers, claiming to stand in a special relation to Christ, to be His Apostles--perhaps, also, to have a double title to the name, as delegates of the Church of Jerusalem. Of these he speaks more fully in
2Corinthians 11:13.
Verse 5. -
For. It cannot be that you received this rival teacher as being so much superior to me;
for, etc.
I suppose. Again, like the Latin
censeo or
opinor, with a touch of irony.
I was not a whit behind;in no respect have I come short of.
The very chiefest apostles. The word used by St. Paul for "very chiefest" is one which, in its strangeness, marks the vehemence of his emotion. It involves an indignant sense that he had been most disparagingly compared with other apostles, as though he were hardly a genuine apostle at all. Yet he reckons himself to have done as much as the "above exceedingly" - or, as it might be expressed, the "out and out," "extra-super," or "super-apostolic," apostles. There is here no reflection whatever on the twelve; he merely means that, even if any with whom he was uufavourably contrasted were "apostles ten times over," he can claim to be in the front rank with them. This is no more than he has said with the utmost earnestness in
1 Corinthians 15:10;
Galatians 2:6. There is no self-assertion here; but, in consequence of the evil done by his detractors, St. Paul, with an utter sense of distaste, is forced to say the simple truth.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
I consider myselfΛογίζομαι(Logizomai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3049:To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose.in no wayμηδὲν(mēden)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3367:No one, none, nothing.inferiorὑστερηκέναι(hysterēkenai)Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active
Strong's 5302:From husteros; to be later, i.e. to be inferior; generally, to fall short.to thoseτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.“super-apostles.”Ὑπερλίαν(Hyperlian)Adverb
Strong's 5228:Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:5 For I reckon that I am not (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) 
