2 Corinthians 11:5 English Standard Version (ESV) Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.

Trying to interpret the Greek to understand the meaning behind this pronoun will not help. The Greek at best leaves us with “an uncertain infinity”. That is vague but does hint at how these so called apostles became seen as super-apostles. Think of a movie star or a singer or a band. What makes them super-stars? A following, a fan base, and the fervor that accompanies a celebration of performance defines a super star.

Popularity marks the label of a super-apostle. Does that mean that anyone that is popular is a false apostle? No, that is not what is implied here. Who is an apostle?

Acts 1:22 English Standard Version (ESV) beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”

Peter defines the requirements for a replacement for Judas, keeping the number of disciples at twelve. Was that to be the definition of apostle since the use of that word had not yet been used in scripture? This also brings into focus this issue; why do we believe there should be only 12 apostles?

Paul uses the term apostle for the first time in Romans 1:1 and then then expands it in verse 5.

Romans 1:5 English Standard Version (ESV) through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,

The important issues of apostleship is the reception of grace and obedience of faith which marks the terms and condition of apostleship. Doing the will of Christ who has called us with purpose determines who is an apostle and the extent of their service. It is not a matter of popularity but in becoming who Christ creates us to be in Him with purpose.

Do not label others. Realize within ourselves our own calling through obedience of faith.

2 Corinthians 11:3-5 English Standard Version

³ But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. ⁴ For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. ⁵ Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.

Following up on yesterday’s devotional about understanding and believing, let us continue to seek truth.

How can any of us know when another Jesus is being preached? The best way to understand this important issue is by having a personal and intimate relationship with Christ ourselves. When another Jesus is being put forth, He who is in you will say, “Those are not my words.”

Paul’s encouragement to us is a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. Love Christ, know Christ and when another is being put forth, Christ we proclaim the fake to be exactly that.

The second sign here is the spirit of truth verses any other spirit which cannot speak truth. Just because it sounds plausible does not mean it is true. The Holy Spirit who is truth will correct error if we will listen for the truth. Listening for the truth is a matter of practice. The more we do it the easier it is for the Holy Spirit to combat lies with truth.

The simplest thing to understand is the gospel that we have received that saved us in the first place. We know what it is capable of doing in the saving of our souls. Any variation that strays away from what we ourselves have already experienced should be obvious to us.

The term super-apostles might be a new term for some of us. Shall we address them?