2 Corinthians 11:13
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοιοῦτοι
such
G5108
τοιοῦτοι
such
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
3 of 10
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ψευδαπόστολοι
are false apostles
G5570
ψευδαπόστολοι
are false apostles
Strong's:
G5570
Word #:
4 of 10
a spurious apostle, i.e., pretended pracher
μετασχηματιζόμενοι
transforming themselves
G3345
μετασχηματιζόμενοι
transforming themselves
Strong's:
G3345
Word #:
7 of 10
to transfigure or disguise; figuratively, to apply (by accommodation)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 10
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Revelation 2:2I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:Galatians 1:7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.Philippians 3:2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.Galatians 2:4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:Acts 20:30Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.Revelation 19:20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.Colossians 2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.Colossians 2:4And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Historical Context
False apostles were an early church problem (Rev 2:2; 1 John 4:1). These itinerant teachers claimed apostolic authority—possibly connection to Jerusalem apostles or eyewitness status. Their credentials, eloquence, and Jewish background gave them credibility, making their false teaching more dangerous than obvious heresy. Churches needed discernment to distinguish true from counterfeit.
Questions for Reflection
- What are the marks of false apostles today—how do we distinguish genuine from counterfeit Christian teachers and leaders?
- In what ways do false teachers 'transform themselves' to look authentic—what disguises should we watch for?
- How can we develop discernment to see past impressive credentials, eloquence, and Christian vocabulary to detect false teaching?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. Paul's verdict on the 'super-apostles' is devastating: pseudapostoloi (ψευδαπόστολοι, 'false apostles'), ergatai dolioi (ἐργάται δόλιοι, 'deceitful/fraudulent workers'). These are not merely mistaken but actively deceptive—dolioi implies craftiness, treachery, bait-and-switch tactics.
The participle metaschēmatizomenoi (μετασχηματιζόμενοι, 'transforming/disguising themselves') describes ongoing masquerade. They transform themselves into apostles of Christ—wearing apostolic costume, using Christian vocabulary, claiming divine authority, yet serving Satan. This is identity theft on a spiritual scale. They are not what they appear to be.
The contrast with genuine apostles is stark: true apostles are sent by Christ (Gal 1:1), preach Christ crucified (1 Cor 2:2), display Christ-like character (2 Cor 6:4-10), and refuse to peddle God's word for profit (2:17). False apostles are self-appointed, preach themselves, display worldly credentials, and exploit the flock financially (11:20). The disguise is sophisticated but the fruit exposes them.