Who were the very chiefest apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 12:11?
Paul identifies the very chiefest apostles as Peter, James, and John. They were the chief ones, the three forming the inner sanctum of the twelve. Paul insists he is not behind them but even ahead of them in apostolic authority, though he speaks as a fool only because the Corinthians compelled him.
Les teaches that in 2 Corinthians 12:11 Paul uses the word "fool" not from pride or egotism, but because the Corinthians' constant resistance to his authority compelled him to defend his apostleship. Paul says he ought to have been commended by them, and asks whether he is behind the very chiefest apostles—Peter, James, and John. Les explains that these three were the chief ones, the inner sanctum of the twelve, yet Paul was even ahead of them. This same point appears again in chapter 11, verse 5, and Les notes that when Scripture repeats something within a short span, it is for emphasis and should be taken note of.
I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
More Questions
Was Paul behind the chiefest apostles?
Paul claimed he was in no way behind the very chiefest apostles.
What did Paul say about himself in relation to the chiefest apostles?
Even though Paul said he was not behind the chiefest apostles, he also said that in himself he is nothing.