Afters Paul’s second visit to Corinth, he leaves in humiliation, speaking of his return with judgment and no leniency. In his absence proclaimers of the Jesus, the message comes to share with the Corinthians. Paul calls these people the “super-apostles,” in a sort of derogatory term. These “super-apostles” however are also of Jewish descent, Paul says, “Are they Hebrew? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I.” (2 Cor. 11:22). Here Paul confirms that they are truly of Jewish descent. However, it is clear why Paul would have given them a derogatory name when we look at their message. In chapter (2 Cor. 10:10) we find the Paul saying, “For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” Clearly these “super apostles” did not have a very positive view toward Paul. They also appealed to the Corinth view that life with Christ was already an exalted and glorified existence.

Paul responds to their view of him with fiery passion and condemnation. Paul tells the people that by following their words they are turning away from the Lord, “For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received,…, you submit to it readily enough” (11:4). He is very distraught that they people he came to be so proud of have turned to follow other apostles. He claims that “For such boasters are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (11:13-14). Here we see Paul feels that they are false apostles, who are rather doing Satan’s work. In verse 23 he says, “Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman-I am a better one: with far greater labors, floggings, and often near death.” Paul clearly finds it funny to even think that they are “ministers of Christ,” as he immediately calls himself a “madman.” Paul then pleads with the Lord that this “thorn in his side,” he does not tell us what it is, would be removed. The Lord does not lift his affliction but rather says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (12:9). I think this idea is supposed to show that although Paul would still have to deal with this affliction, God would use him in a powerful way. This would then show that Paul was not responsible for this power, rather it was God working through him. Pauls weakness would be his ultimate strength. I think Paul wants his audience to not rely on their own strength but instead trust in God.