The Greek noun “pseudos” means “that which is unreal.” Thus, “something false.”

And Paul uses this term in 2nd Corinthians 11:26, describing his perilous life, faithfully serving the Lord. Paul sort of “coins” a word in so doing, “pseudadelphos.” Translated: “false brethren.”

Yes, Paul encountered dangers” (“perils”) among “false brethren!”

People who “said” they were saved, but in reality were not!

In searching for this expression (particularly in all of Paul’s New Testament correspondence), and only found one other instance.

Here, in our text, in 2nd Corinthians 11:26, Paul had been …  “In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, (then) IN PERILS AMONG FALSE BRETHREN.”

Then in Galatians 2:4, another place Paul had been plagued by enemies of the Gospel. “And that because of FALSE BRETHREN unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage.” Men trying to put the new converts back under the Law of Moses! Deny the exclusive saving power of the Grace of God!

Paul did once use the expression “false apostles,” in our chapter too! Exactly, in 2nd Corinthians 11:13. Surely the terms are parallel!

People who hated Paul, apparently.

People who did not believe in the total saving Power of the Blood of Jesus, obviously.

People who themselves evidently were NOT saved, “false brethren.”

And they wanted to harm the Apostle Paul!

He pursued most of his Ministry, at risk of these hypocrites!

He also labeled them “deceitful workers.”

“Transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” Putting on an act, 2nd Corinthians 11:13 again.

Then Paul adds this little tidbit of this crowd: “And no marvel; for SATAN HIMSELF is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if HIS MINISTERS also be transformed as the MINISTERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2nd Corinthians 11:14-15

Paul had learned to identify them, false brethren.

And to warn people of them.

“Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.” Wow, 2nd Timothy 4:14-15

God spared Paul from those dangers, “perils among false brethren.”

By the way, such men and women still exist among our fellowships!

Tares among the wheat!

Thus, the New Testament closes with advice like this: “It was needful for me (Jude) to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are CERTAIN MEN crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, UNGODLY MEN, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and DENYING the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude verses 2-4.

Be SURE you are real!

Truly “in” the Faith.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell