2 corinthians 11:15 - It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Generated Verse: 2 corinthians 11:15

What does "2 corinthians 11:15" mean?


This verse, 2 Corinthians 11:15, is part of a larger passage (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) where the Apostle Paul is defending his ministry against false apostles who were trying to undermine his authority and teachings. Let's break down the meaning:

"It is no great thing therefore...": This phrase indicates that Paul isn't surprised by something. He's saying that what he's about to say is a logical consequence of something he's already established (in this case, the deceitful nature of Satan, mentioned earlier in the chapter).

"...if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness...": Here, "his" refers to Satan. Paul is saying that it shouldn't be surprising if Satan's followers pretend to be good and righteous individuals. They're effectively putting on a disguise to deceive others. They might outwardly appear to be religious or moral, but their intentions and actions are driven by evil.

"...whose end will be according to their works.": This is the key warning. Despite their outward appearance, these false servants will ultimately be judged based on their true actions and motivations. Their deceptive facade will not save them from the consequences of their evil deeds. "Their works" refers to the fruit of their labor, the things they do and the impact they have. God sees through the disguise and will hold them accountable for their true intentions and actions.

In summary, the verse means:

It's not surprising that Satan's followers try to deceive people by pretending to be righteous and godly. However, their disguise won't ultimately protect them, as they will be judged based on their true actions and the evil they commit. Their outward appearance won't matter in the end; their deeds will reveal their true nature and determine their fate.

Context within the Chapter:

This verse is part of Paul's defense against false apostles who were boasting about their credentials and accomplishments. Paul is arguing that these people are actually deceivers who are promoting a distorted version of the Gospel. He's warning the Corinthians to be wary of those who appear righteous but are actually serving a different master (Satan).

Relevance Today:

The message of this verse is still relevant today. It serves as a warning to be discerning and to look beyond outward appearances. We should be cautious of those who claim to be righteous but whose actions and teachings contradict the true Gospel. It reminds us that true righteousness is not just about outward behavior, but about inward transformation and a genuine commitment to following God's will.