2 Corinthians 11:3
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve[a] by his cunning, your thoughts may be corrupted from a sincere [and pure] commitment to Christ.(A)
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- 11:3 As the serpent deceived Eve: before Christ can return for the community Paul fears a repetition of the primal drama of seduction. Corruption of minds is satanic activity (see 2 Cor 2:11; 4:4). Satanic imagery recurs in 2 Cor 11:13–15, 20; 12:7b, 16–17; see notes on these passages.
2 Corinthians 11:13
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
13 [a]For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, who masquerade as apostles of Christ.
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- 11:13–15 Paul picks up again the imagery of 2 Cor 11:3 and applies it to the opponents: they are false apostles of Christ, really serving another master. Deceitful…masquerade: deception and simulation, like cunning (2 Cor 11:3), are marks of the satanic. Angel of light: recalls the contrast between light and darkness, Christ and Beliar at 2 Cor 6:14–15. Ministers of righteousness: recalls the earlier contrast between the ministry of condemnation and that of righteousness (2 Cor 3:9). Their end: the section closes with another allusion to the judgment, when all participants in the final conflict will be revealed or unmasked and dealt with as they deserve.
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