EXALTING THE MOST EMINENT APOSTLES

When Paul spoke of the “most eminent apostles,” he was not honoring them. He was exposing them. His words were edged with holy sarcasm. He was tearing down men who had exalted themselves, men who drew disciples after their own name, men who clothed pride in the language of Christ.

So ask yourself plainly:Who would Paul call “super apostles” today? (hyperlian apostolon) 2 Cor 11:5

Who, in our own time, has taken to themselves titles of authority, power, and spiritual supremacy? Who has stood before multitudes and presented themselves not merely as servants of Christ, but as the voice to be obeyed, the authority not to be questioned?

These are not outsiders.
Not pagans.
Not those who openly reject Christ.

These are men who speak His name.
Men who preach in His name.
Men who build vast followings under His banner.

And yet, like those in Corinth, they exalt themselves.

They boast in power.
They boast in revelation.
They boast in influence, in miracles, in numbers.
They draw attention to themselves, and in doing so, they rob Jesus of His preeminence and take that preeminence for themselves. You will never hear them boasting of their infirmities. They wouldn’t do it and their audience dont want to hear that.

Paul would not be impressed.

For he said, “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.”
His weapons were not carnal. They were not built on personality, persuasion, or platform. They were mighty in God, for pulling down strongholds.

And what were those strongholds?

Arguments.
Prideful reasonings.
Every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.

These men, then and now, construct systems of thought and authority that rise up, not against religion in general, but against the true knowledge of Christ. They speak of Him, yet elevate themselves. His name is invoked only so their own name can be elevated.

This is why Paul says:
“Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

Not to a man.
Not to a movement.
Not to a personality.

To Christ.

These leaders exercise enormous influence. Hundreds of thousands, even millions, sit under them. Their words shape thinking, their authority directs lives.

But we are without excuse.

We have the Spirit of God.
We have the Word of God.

And we are commanded to take every thought captive.

Every sermon.
Every claim.
Every display of power.
Every declaration of authority.

All must be brought under Christ.

Paul refused to compete with these men on their terms.
He would not boast in greatness.

Instead, he says, “I will boast in the things which concern my infirmities.”

Weakness.
Suffering.
Dependence on God.

That is the mark of a true servant.

So the question is not merely who these men are.

The question is this:

Will we recognize the difference?

Will we discern between those who exalt Christ, and those who exalt themselves in His name?

And will we take every thought captive,

or will we ourselves be taken captive?