Context
In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul is defending the Corinthians against false apostles by exposing the danger of spiritual deception and counterfeit appearances. The chapter warns that outward impressiveness is no guarantee of truth, because deception often comes clothed in religious form.
Common Interpretations
These two passages work together. The first says we're not supposed to dismiss everything out of hand — but we are supposed to test it. The second is a sobering reminder of what the standard for that test can't be: how something feels. Something can feel peaceful, timely, encouraging, and "right" and still not be from God. That means the feeling itself can never be the proof. There has to be something outside the feeling — namely, Scripture — that the experience is tested against. Observation: "Test everything" only works if there's a fixed standard to test against. For the Christian, that standard is Scripture — not the emotional weight of the experience itself.
Current Position
No defined position is stated here yet beyond the common interpretations above. As related study develops, this section will be updated where the text warrants a clearer conclusion.
Deeper Study
No deeper study linked yet.