II Corinthians 11

“Are they Hebrews?  So am I.  Are they Israelites?  So am I.  Are they descendents of Abraham?  So am I” (v22).   Sadly, Paul felt the need to defend his “ministry credentials” before the Corinthians.  He had served them faithfully, but humbly, in the past (v7).  Later, “false prophets” came among the Corinthian church, deceiving people and gaining favor by their grand claims (v13-15).  Being human and not very mature spiritually, the Corinthians were temporarily impressed by these visitors, and they began to doubt Paul’s authority.

Background, appearance, and charisma can blind us to real character problems.  However, godly influence and power come from a righteous and Spirit-led life.