Note 3 at 2 Cor. 11:2: Verse 2 begins with the conjunction "for," which ties this verse to the previous verse. Paul is explaining why he is going to such extremes trying to persuade the Corinthians. It is because he views them as a father would view his virgin daughter. Paul is the one who introduced them to the Lord, so, in a very real sense, he was their spiritual father. He viewed these false apostles (v. 13) who were leading them away from faith in Christ as a father would view someone trying to defile his virgin daughter. Paul felt responsible for them and he was doing everything possible to prevent them being defiled through false doctrine.

Note 4 at 2 Cor. 11:2: There is a secondary truth in this verse besides the main truth Paul is presenting. That secondary truth being-there is a godly type of jealousy. Jealousy is nearly always spoken of in an evil sense, so many people fail to think of any positive side to jealousy. However, jealousy is an emotion that even God has. The scriptures say, "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God. . ." (Ex. 20:5), and, "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" (Ex. 34:14). See also Deuteronomy 4:29, 5:9; 6:15; Joshua 24:19; Naham 1:2; and note 6 at 1 Corinthians 10:22, page 914.

Note 5 at 2 Cor. 11:2: There are other scriptures which liken the believer's relationship with the Lord to that of a bride with her betrothed (Isa. 54:5; 62:4-5; Hos. 2:19; Mt. 25:1-12; Rom. 7:4; Eph. 5:23-32; Jas. 4:4; Rev. 21:2, 9; 22:17). Faithfulness to the Lord is just as important to the Lord as faithfulness to one's spouse is in a marriage relationship. Indeed, physical marriage is a picture of our relationship with the Lord. Those who have this attitude in their relationship with the Lord will mirror that in their relationship with their mate. Joseph thought this way and it prevented him from committing adultery (Gen. 39:9).