2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

For such are false apostles Whatever they may pretend to the contrary, being destitute of that divine mission which all the true apostles have; deceitful workers Pretending to great disinterestedness in their work, while their only design is to promote their own interest; transforming themselves into the appearance of apostles of Christ By pretending to preach the gospel without reward. And no marvel they assume that appearance; for Satan himself In subordination to whom they act, can put on such deceitful appearances, and be transformed into an angel of light Wearing, on certain occasions, a mask of sanctity and religion, in his attempts to deceive and insnare the souls of men, so that one would imagine his suggestions to be of a celestial and divine original. “In this manner, it may be supposed, Satan transformed himself, when he tempted our Lord in the wilderness; and in like manner also when he tempted our first mother Eve. Evil spirits are called angels of darkness, because they employ themselves in promoting error and wickedness, which is spiritual darkness. Whereas, good angels are called angels of light, because they employ themselves in promoting truth and virtue, which is spiritual light.” Therefore, it is no great thing Nothing extraordinary; if his ministers also, under his influence, be transformed That is, make themselves to appear; as ministers of righteousness False teachers are justly called ministers of Satan, because they are employed in disseminating error, whereby Satan's kingdom is supported in the world. And, on the other hand, with equal propriety are the teachers of true doctrine called ministers of righteousness, because of the efficacy of true doctrine to promote righteousness in them who receive it: whose end Notwithstanding all their disguises; shall be according to their works Here the end, as in Romans 6:21, signifies the final issue of a course of action; consequently the retribution which shall be made to the actor.