2 Corinthians 11:5
For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
Original Language Analysis
λογίζομαι
I suppose
G3049
λογίζομαι
I suppose
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
1 of 8
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὑστερηκέναι
I was
G5302
ὑστερηκέναι
I was
Strong's:
G5302
Word #:
4 of 8
to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The Jerusalem apostles (Peter, James, John) had recognized Paul's apostleship and gospel (Gal 2:6-10). False teachers likely claimed to represent these leaders while distorting their message, creating confusion about Paul's relationship to the Jerusalem church. Paul must assert his equality without disparaging the genuine apostles.
Questions for Reflection
- How do false teachers today claim connection to respected Christian leaders or traditions while actually distorting their message?
- What is the relationship between God-given authority and human credentials or impressive background—which matters more?
- In what ways might we wrongly elevate 'super-apostles' (celebrity preachers, impressive speakers) above faithful but less prominent servants of Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. Paul's ironic self-defense begins. The phrase tōn hyperlian apostolōn (τῶν ὑπερλίαν ἀποστόλων, 'super-apostles' or 'most eminent apostles') drips with sarcasm. These self-styled leaders claimed superior credentials, but Paul asserts he is 'not a whit behind' (husterēkenai, ὑστερηκέναι, 'to be inferior/lacking').
Debate exists whether 'super-apostles' refers to the Jerusalem apostles (Peter, James, John) whom the false teachers claimed to represent, or to the false teachers themselves. Context favors the latter—Paul distinguished himself from false apostles, not true ones. Yet the ambiguity may be intentional, challenging both the genuine Jerusalem apostles' authority and the fraudulent claims of the interlopers.
Paul's 'I suppose' (logizomai, λογίζομαι) is understated—he knows he's a true apostle commissioned by the risen Christ (1 Cor 15:8-10; Gal 1:1, 11-12). His apostleship came not through human appointment but divine revelation. The false apostles boasted of their credentials; Paul ironically claims to match them while actually far surpassing them in genuine apostolic marks.