II Corinthians 11

“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” (v30).  Paul wanted the Corinthian believers to understand that true Jesus-style leadership required humility and self-sacrifice. They were being led astray by deceitful “super-apostles” (v5) who boasted of their success and enriched themselves by taking advantage of others (v20). Paul said that these preachers were “false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ” (v13). 

According to Paul, leaders who are faithful to Jesus do not cultivate celebrity status, but instead speak about their dependence on the Lord and help others develop a “sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (v3).