2 Corinthians 11:20 – “In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul sharply rebukes the Corinthians for tolerating abusive and manipulative leaders. He points out that they have accepted mistreatment from false teachers without resisting. These false apostles dominated them, exploited them for money, and acted superior, yet the Corinthians continued to follow them.

Paul lists five ways these false teachers were mistreating the church:

1. They enslaved them – Spiritually, they put the Corinthians under legalistic, burdensome rules, making them feel trapped rather than free in Christ.
2. They exploited them – They used the Corinthians for their own gain, likely demanding financial support.
3. They took advantage of them – They manipulated and deceived them, using spiritual authority as a weapon rather than a means of serving.
4. They put on airs – They acted superior and arrogant, making the Corinthians feel unworthy or dependent on them.
5. They slapped them in the face – This may have been a literal act of abuse or a metaphor for publicly humiliating them.

Paul is saying, “You are putting up with all of this, yet you question me—someone who has only served you in love and truth!” His frustration is clear: the Corinthians were tolerating corrupt leadership while rejecting true apostleship.

Historical Context

In the Greco-Roman world, power and dominance were often seen as signs of strength. Many people admired leaders who were forceful, demanding, and authoritarian, believing that such traits proved their authority.

These false teachers likely demanded money, acted as spiritual elites, and harshly controlled the people, but instead of rejecting them, the Corinthians respected them. They were spiritually manipulated, and rather than recognizing the abuse, they submitted to it willingly.

Paul, however, had served them with humility and love (2 Corinthians 11:7-9), yet they questioned his authority while allowing false teachers to take advantage of them.

Theological Implications

1. False teachers often manipulate through power and control – Rather than serving, they dominate and exploit their followers.
2. Spiritual deception can make people accept abuse – The Corinthians did not realize they were being mistreated because they admired worldly power instead of godly humility.
3. True spiritual leaders do not take advantage of people – Paul’s contrast shows that real servants of God do not seek personal gain or mistreat their followers.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s tone is deeply sarcastic and frustrated in this verse:

• “You even put up with anyone who enslaves you” – This is shock and irony. Paul cannot believe how willingly they have accepted abuse.
• The list of five offenses – Paul piles up examples of how the Corinthians have been mistreated, emphasizing how blind they have been to deception.
• Direct and confrontational style – Paul is not subtle here. He wants them to feel the weight of their mistake.

Paul is using strong language to wake them up. He is showing them, “Look at what you have allowed! How can you not see what is happening?”

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 23:4 – Jesus condemns religious leaders who place heavy burdens on people but do nothing to help them.
• Galatians 5:1 – Paul tells believers that Christ has set them free, and they should not submit to slavery again.
• 1 Peter 5:2-3 – Peter warns that true spiritual leaders should not lord over others, but serve willingly.
• Matthew 7:15 – Jesus warns about false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but are really wolves.
• John 8:36 – Jesus declares that the Son sets people free, not enslaves them.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a strong warning about tolerating spiritual abuse and manipulation.

1. Be careful not to follow leaders who seek power rather than serve in humility – Many false teachers today control, exploit, and manipulate their followers. We must reject spiritual oppression.
2. Recognize when religious influence is being used for personal gain – Some leaders demand money, blind loyalty, or unquestioning obedience. Paul warns against such spiritual slavery.
3. True Christian leadership reflects Jesus, not human dominance – Real spiritual authority does not come through control, pride, or wealth, but through humble service and faithfulness to Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is nothing like the oppression of false teachers:

• God does not enslave His people—He sets them free (Galatians 5:1).
• God does not exploit His people—He gives freely (Romans 8:32).
• God does not take advantage of His people—He serves and provides (John 10:11).
• God does not seek status—He humbles Himself for our sake (Philippians 2:5-8).

Paul’s frustration comes from knowing that God’s love is not about power and control—it is about freedom, grace, and truth.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s warning about abusive religious leaders mirrors Jesus’ own warnings and actions:

• Jesus confronted religious leaders who exploited people – In Matthew 23, He exposed the hypocrisy and corruption of the Pharisees.
• Jesus set people free from spiritual oppression – In Luke 4:18, Jesus declared that He came to release the oppressed.
• Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve – In Mark 10:45, Jesus said He came to give His life for others, not to take from them.
• Jesus never sought personal gain – Unlike the false teachers in Corinth, Jesus never demanded money, power, or control over people (John 6:15).

Paul is showing that true spiritual leadership follows Christ’s example—it is selfless, loving, and focused on serving others, not on gaining power.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What are some modern examples of religious leaders who exploit people for money, power, or control?
2. Why do people sometimes accept spiritual abuse instead of rejecting it?
3. How can we recognize the difference between true godly leadership and false authority?
4. What does this verse teach us about how Christ’s leadership is different from worldly power?
5. How can we help others who may be trapped under controlling religious influences?