Note 3 at 2Co 11:2: This verse begins with the conjunction "for," which ties this verse to the previous one. Paul was explaining why he was going to such extremes trying to persuade the Corinthians. It was because he viewed them as a father would view his virgin daughter. Paul was the one who introduced them to the Lord, so in a very real sense, he was their spiritual father. He viewed these false apostles (2Co 11:13), 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 from being defiled through false doctrine.

Note 4 at 2Co 11:2: There is a secondary truth in this verse besides the main truth Paul was presenting, that secondary truth being that 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 De 4:24, 5:9, 6:15; Jos 24:19; and Na 1:2 (see note 6 at 1Co 10:22).

Note 5 at 2Co 11:2: There are other scriptures that liken the believer's relationship with the Lord to that of a bride with her betrothed (Isa 54:5, 62:4-5; Ho 2:19; Mt 25:1-12; Ro 7:4; Eph 5:23-32; Jas 4:4; Re 21:2, 9, and 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 mates. Joseph thought this way, and it prevented him from committing adultery (Ge 39:9).