
2 Corinthians 10
In this chapter, Paul shifts his focus to defend his apostolic authority and address the criticisms and challenges posed by some within the Corinthian community. This chapter marks a more direct and confrontational tone as Paul confronts the accusations of his detractors who question his credentials and motives. He emphasizes the spiritual nature of his ministry, highlighting the divine power behind his work and rejecting worldly standards of judgment.
2 Corinthians 10:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not have to be bold with the confidence by which I intend to show boldness against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
Paul begins by contrasting his physical demeanor and his epistolary tone, emphasizing that his approach is rooted in Christ's meekness and gentleness. He expresses a desire to avoid having to use sternness when he visits, addressing those who accuse him of worldly motives or of being bold only in his letters.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NKJV)
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.
Paul clarifies that while he lives in a human body, his ministry does not rely on human strategies or strengths. He describes the spiritual nature of his work, involving divine power that can demolish spiritual strongholds, underscoring the supernatural aspect of Christian ministry against spiritual opposition.
2 Corinthians 10:5-6 (NKJV)
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
Paul explains further the nature of his spiritual warfare: it involves combating false ideologies and proud obstacles that hinder the true knowledge of God. His goal is to align every thought with Christ’s teachings, ensuring full compliance with the Gospel. He also indicates readiness to confront any remaining disobedience among the Corinthians once they fully align themselves with Christ's teachings.
2 Corinthians 10:7-8 (NKJV)
7 Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.
8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed,
Paul challenges the Corinthians to reconsider their judgments based on superficial standards. He reminds them of his and his fellow workers' authority from Christ, which is intended to build up the church, not tear it down. This authority is a responsibility he carries without shame, emphasizing its divine origin and constructive purpose.
2 Corinthians 10:9-11 (NKJV)
9 that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
10 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”
11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
Paul addresses the criticism that his letters are harsh and his physical presence is less imposing. He asserts that the authority and intensity he expresses in his letters will match his actions when present, countering accusations of inconsistency between his written and personal interactions.
2 Corinthians 10:12-14 (NKJV)
12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.
14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though our reach did not extend to you. For it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ.
Paul criticizes those who boast based on their own standards and comparisons. He differentiates his approach by boasting only within the boundaries of the mission God assigned to him, which includes ministering to the Corinthians. This reinforces his legitimate connection and responsibility to them, grounded in God’s directive.
2 Corinthians 10:15-18 (NKJV)
15 Not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,
16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.
17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”
18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
Paul expresses his hope that as the Corinthians' faith grows, his ministry among them will expand, enabling him to preach beyond their region without taking credit for work done by others. He concludes by quoting Jeremiah 9:24, emphasizing that true boasting should be in the Lord’s work, not in self-promotion. Approval comes from the Lord, not from self-commendation, aligning all efforts and achievements with God’s will and glory.