2 Corinthians 11:20

Suffer. In modern English, “endure patiently.”

Bring you into bondage. Paul here exposes and condemns the highhanded methods of the pseudo apostles at Corinth. Titus had evidently reported to Paul concerning the harsh and tyrannical authority exercised by these false leaders. This contrasted sharply with Paul’s treatment of the Corinthians, which had been marked by love and kindness. Five expressions are used to describe the nature and work of these false apostles.

The false apostles made virtual slaves of those who accepted them (cf. Matt. 23:4; Gal. 2:4; 4:9; 5:1, 13; 1 Peter 5:2, 3). Instead of bringing freedom, false teachings and false doctrines make mental and spiritual slaves of men. Truth makes men free (John 8:32, 36). The work of false teachers and religious leaders is to make themselves lords of the church by controlling the minds and hearts of men. The work of true leaders is to lead men to Christ and not to themselves.

Devour you. See on Matt. 23:14. The false apostles worked for money and worldly gain. They sheared the sheep instead of feeding them. They were inspired and motivated by selfish greed, so much so that they devoured the substance of the Corinthians. They were hirelings.

Take of you. That is, catch you, or take advantage of you. Apparently, these false leaders were outright deceivers, and had entrapped the Corinthians. Wise as they were (v. 19), the latter had been made dupes.

Exalt himself. It was characteristic of these false apostles to assume great authority. By boasting and pompous utterances they arrogated to themselves lordship over the church.

Smite you. This pictures the depths of disgrace to which the Corinthians had been subjected. In the Bible such an act is pictured as a mark of the utmost contempt (1 Kings 22:24; Neh. 13:25; cf. Isa. 58:4; Matt. 5:39; Titus 1:7). Both Christ and Paul knew what it was to experience this form of treatment (Luke 22:64; Acts 23:2; cf. 1 Tim. 3:3). No greater insult could be offered to a man. In doing so — figuratively at least — these men have proved themselves false leaders and false apostles. They have no sense of the value of souls, or even respect for the rights of others.