2 Corinthians 11:5-6
What is written? (ESV)
Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.
What does it say?
Even though I [Paul] may not be skilled in speaking, I’m in no way inferior to these so-called ‘super-apostles’ since I’m in knowledge of God’s word and have made this plain to you in all things.
What is its immediate context?
Paul, while away from Corinth, is being marginalized by other men that Paul refers to as “super-apostles” (vs 5). They are criticizing what Paul spoke when he “preached God’s gospel” to them “free of charge” (vs 7 xref Acts 18:8-11). He is warning the Corinthians of these individuals’ inferiority in the knowledge of Christ and labels them as “false apostles” and “deceitful workmen” (vs 13).
How 2 Corinthians 11:5-6 is applied across Bible answers
Does Bible interpretation require special training?
False teachers were gaining traction at Corinth by promoting their special training and criticizing Paul's "unskilled speaking".
The second letter from Paul is only a few months after the first,123 so there's every reason to believe these "super-apostles" who would "boast according to the flesh" (vs 18), were doing so at Paul's expense of having not used "lofty speech or wisdom"2. They were using Paul's "style" and humility against him and appealing to human wisdom.
What are the qualifications for a preacher?
Paul was an apostle, but here refers to his time among the Corinthian brethren as a preacher. He successfully fulfilled that role according to knowledge (of Christ), not based on any speaking skills (e.g. human requirements).
