2 Corinthians 11:4

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

2 Corinthians 11:4 (KJV)

Context

Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to address issues in the Corinthian church, including the threat of false teachers. In the immediate context, he expresses godly jealousy, desiring to present the believers as a pure virgin to Christ, and fears that, as the serpent deceived Eve, their minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2-3). Verse 4 is a specific example of how that corruption could occur.

Meaning

Paul warns about those who preach a distorted version of Jesus. The true gospel centers on the person of Jesus Christ, His death, and resurrection as the Savior. Any teaching that deviates from this core message is another Jesus, not the authentic Christ preached by Paul and the other apostles. The Greek word for “another” (ἄλλος) implies a different kind, not just another instance.

Paul also warns against receiving another spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, given to believers as a guide, comforter, and empowerer. False teachers may promote a counterfeit spiritual experience or encourage practices contrary to the true leading of the Holy Spirit. The Greek text uses a distinct word for “different” (ἕτερον), emphasizing a spirit of a different kind.

In addition, false teachers may present a distorted gospel. The gospel is the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, His atoning sacrifice, and the forgiveness of sins. Any teaching that perverts or adds to this message is not the true gospel. Paul emphasizes holding fast to the genuine gospel he and the other apostles preached.

The phrase “ye might well bear with him” (καλῶς ἀνέχεσθε) can be translated as “you bear with it splendidly” or “you put up with it easily enough.” This toleration is ironic because Paul had previously preached the true Jesus, the true Spirit, and the true gospel to them. The false teachers were likely itinerant teachers, possibly Judaizers, who claimed authority but were not sent by Christ or the churches. They preached a Jesus who was a better savior than the one Paul preached, but this was a distortion.

Biblical connections

Paul’s rhetorical question in verse 4 is a rebuke: if the Corinthians tolerate false teaching, why do they not tolerate him, who brought them the true gospel? This verse is part of Paul’s larger defense of his apostleship and his concern for the purity of the gospel. The true gospel is unchanging; any deviation, whether in the object of faith (Jesus), the agent of regeneration (the Spirit), or the message of salvation (the gospel), is unacceptable.

Application

This verse reminds Christians today to be discerning and vigilant in their faith. It highlights the importance of knowing and understanding the true teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible. Believers are encouraged to test all teachings against the standard of Scripture and to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The warning is not merely theoretical; it addresses a real danger in any church. Paul’s concern is for believers to exercise caution and discernment when encountering teachers who deviate from the true gospel, and to stand firm in the truth of the authentic message of Jesus Christ.

Reflection

Consider how readily we tolerate teachings that sound spiritual but drift from the apostolic gospel. Paul’s words challenge us to measure every message by the Jesus, Spirit, and gospel revealed in Scripture, and to cherish the simplicity that is in Christ.