2 Corinthians 11:5

For I reckon that I am not at all behind the very best apostles.

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Other translations

WEBBE

For I reckon that I am not at all behind the very best apostles.

BSB

I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.”

KJV

For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

ASV

For I reckon that I am not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

BBE

For in my opinion, I am in no way less than the most important of the Apostles.

Original Greek

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Λογίζομαι Logizomai I reckon G3049 γὰρ gar for G1063 μηδὲν mēden in nothing G3367 ὑστερηκέναι husterēkenai to have been inferior G5302 τῶν tōn to those G3588 ὑπερλίαν huperlian most eminent G5228 ἀποστόλων apostolōn apostles G652

The early church

"For I reckon that I am not a whit behind the very chiefest Apostles," no longer making comparison of himself with them, but with Peter and the rest. "So that if they know more than I do, [they know more] than they also." And observe how here also he shows modesty. For he did not say, "the Apostles said nothing more than I," but what? "I reckon," so I deem, "that I am not a whit behind the very chiefest Apostles." For since this also appeared to bespeak an inferiority in him, that those having preceded him were of greater name; and more respect was entertained for them, and these persons were intending to foist themselves in; therefore he makes this comparison of himself with them with the dignity that becomes him. Therefore he also mentions them with encomiums, not speaking simply of "the Apostles," but "the very chiefest," meaning Peter and James and John.
John Chrysostom · d. 407Homilies on 2 Corinthians

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 5–15

It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system.

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Cross-references

3

Cross-references: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Hebrew and Greek data from STEPBible.org (Tyndale House, Cambridge), CC BY 4.0. Library: sources.