Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Corinthians 11:5-15

"For I reckon that I am not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. But though [I be] rude in speech, yet [am I] not in knowledge; nay, in every way have we made [this] manifest unto you in all things. Or did I commit a sin in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I preached to you the gospel of God for nought? I robbed other churches, taking wages [of them] that I might minister unto you; and when I was present with you and was in want, I was not a burden on any man; for the brethren, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my want; and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself]. As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this glorying in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth. But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light. It is no great thing therefore if his ministers also fashion themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works." — 2 Corinthians 11:5-15 (ASV)

It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, so that others who opposed him at Corinth might not, in this respect, gain an advantage against him.

Hypocrisy may be expected, especially when we consider the great power that Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has on the minds of many. And just as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It also serves Satan's purposes to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace.

But the end will reveal those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and by the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system.