2 Corinthians 11:3

Beguiled. Or, “deceived.” Paul fears that these false apostles — emissaries of Satan — will seduce the Corinthians as the serpent seduced Eve. In both instances Satan masterminded the evil plot (Gen. 3:1–11; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8). Because the serpent became the installment of Satan for the fall of Adam and Eve and the entrance of sin into the world, the Scriptures commonly speak of him as the “serpent” (Rev. 12:9; 20:2). Paul’s theology is based on the premise that the fall of man was a historical event (see on Rom. 5:12-19).

Subtilty. Or, “craftiness,” “cunning.” Deception is Satan’s stock in trade (John 8:44; Rev. 20:8); without it he would have no success at all.

Minds. Greek noemata, “thoughts” (see on ch. 10:5). The particular object of Satan’s attack is the human mind (John 12:40; see on 2 Cor. 10:4, 5). In Corinth the corruption of believers’ minds came about through the agency of false teachers. Satan corrupts the mind by warping and searing the conscience. His work is opposite to that of the gospel, which is to purify the conscience.

Satan accomplishes his nefarious work by blinding men’s minds to the faith, by hardening and deceiving their hearts, and by enslaving the reason to the passions. He causes men and women to doubt God’s love and seeks to deprive them of the power to choose the right. He occupies their minds with anything and everything that will crowd out time, and the desire, for Christ, for His righteousness, and for His kingdom (Luke 21:34–36). He seeks to inject into every mind hostility and rebellion against God (Rom. 8:7; James 4:4).

Corrupted. Or, “depraved.” In Rev. 19:2 “corrupt” is used figuratively of marital unchastity. In Bible times infidelity after betrothal was considered almost equivalent to adultery after marriage (see on Matt. 1:18, 19). Spiritually, as the intermediary between bride and heavenly Groom, the guardian and protector of the bride-elect must give an account of the Corinthian church, and he dare not be careless. He therefore watches over her with “godly jealousy” (2 Cor. 11:2), and considers these false leaders as rival aspirants to the virgin’s hand and heart.

Simplicity. Or, “sincerity.” Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the addition of the words “and purity.” Paul here speaks of singlehearted faith in, and devotion to, Christ (cf. James 1:8). He repeatedly insists upon the virtue of fidelity to Christ.

The statement of 2 Cor. 11:3, about being “corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ,” emphatically denies the teaching that a man cannot fall from grace and that when “once saved” he is “always saved” (see on John 3:18-21; Gal. 5:4). Even Lucifer, created perfect in beauty and character, fell from his original purity and obedience. Paul clearly recognizes the possibility of dissolving the marriage of believers with Christ by the corrupting power of Satan. When this occurs, the union between Christ and His “bride” is broken.

God’s instructions to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden were simple indeed. He left no doubt as to what He required of them and what would happen if they disobeyed. God gave them one clear reason for not eating the forbidden fruit; Satan offered several plausible reasons in favor of doing so. How simple is God’s definition and interpretation of sin (Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, 28; 1 John 3:4). How simple is the invitation to come to Christ (Isa. 55:1; Rev. 22:17). How clear is the way of truth and righteousness, and how devious the way of darkness and error (John 3:19-21). How simple and explicit are God’s assurances, and how beautifully transparent His promises (2 Cor. 7:1). How simple and true is real love, whereas the divided heart is confused. How strait and narrow is the way of righteousness and life in contrast with the broad and tortuous way of sin and death (Matt. 7:13, 14).