13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
Verses 13-15 present the true nature of Paul’s opponents. These false apostles shared with Satan his cunning and deception. The arch-deceiver has his minions. They pretended to represent Christ, but they were deputies of the devil. However, they acted the part of an apostle.
13 For such are false apostles,
“False apostles” were those who claimed to be genuine apostles but were fake. Paul sarcastically called them “super-apostles” (2 Co 11:5). These propped-up shams claimed authority that they did not have (Re 2:2). The super-apostles were false apostles.
deceitful workers,
These people pretended to represent Christ. They were crafty in their approach to ministry. However, they were in ministry for their own gain. They masqueraded their works as authentic, but their ministry was characterized by deception. They followed their father, “a liar and the father of lies” (Jn 8:44). Their work produced deceit.
transforming [masquerading] themselves into apostles of Christ.
The word “transforming” means to change the outward form of something or to change appearance. These false apostles made themselves appear to be genuine apostles.
PRINCIPLE:
Appearances can be deceptive.
APPLICATION:
Appearances can be deceptive, especially when people disguise themselves in religious trappings (2 Co 4:18; 5:12; 11:26; Ga 2:4). This is especially true of religious deception. Christ has His ministers, and so does Satan. Deceit is the hallmark of those who carry false doctrine. As religionists deceived the Corinthian church, so religionists today deceive the church. When it comes to deception, a frontal assault is necessary (Mt 7:15; 24:24; 1 Ti 4:1; 2 Ti 3:13). We need to expose them for what they believe. It is not something to take lightly (2 Co 2:11; 4:4). Satan will infiltrate the church today with deluded ideas. However, these people may appear to be “righteous,” but their doctrine is full of deadly poison. That is because the devil commissioned them. His ministers of righteousness make error plausible.
