2 Corinthians 11: Super-Apostles, Super-Leaders
In his book Servant Leadership Robert K. Greenleaf wrote, "We live in the age of the anti-leader, and our vast educational structure devotes little care to nurturing leaders or to understanding followership" (Robert K. Greenleaf, Servant Leadership [New York: Paulist Press, 1977], p. 4).
Warming Up to God
Whose leadership are you under? Reflect before Christ about the positive or negative impact of that leadership in your life.
Discovering the Word
- What are Paul's motives for challenging the so-called super-apostles who are winning over the Corinthians (vv. 1-6)?
- Why do you think betrothal rather than marriage is such a good image of the goal of Christian ministry (vv. 2-3)?
- Why do you think Paul's decision to "preach the gospel free of charge" was so important in defending his ministry (vv. 7-12)?
- Looking at the whole chapter, what marks of the super-apostles justified Paul's description of them as false, deceitful and masquerading?
- In contrast, what does Paul boast about as the mark of his own leadership (vv. 16-33)?
Applying the Word
- What kind of Christian leadership today might fall under the apostle's judgment?
- What have you learned from this study about the marks of true Christian leadership?
- What have you learned about being a healthy follower?
Responding in Prayer
Pray for your pastor and other Christian leaders.