The Corinthians wanted “proof” that Christ was speaking in Paul. But he closes his letter by asking them to examine themselves, to see if it might be they who have failed the “test.” This test comes down to whether or not they submit to him. Their operation on the “worldly plane” causes them to boast over “worldly things” (11:18). They compare and measure themselves with one another (10:12), commending themselves on the basis of their pneumatic powers and their Jewish connections (10:18). They see themselves as having power, while Paul is judged as weak and unimpressive (10:10; 11:6).
