2 Corinthians 10

In this chapter, Paul addresses criticisms against his authority and confronts accusations of being bold in letters but timid in person. He discusses the nature of spiritual warfare and the tools needed to combat false teachings, emphasizing that his battle is spiritual, not worldly. Paul also lays out the basis for legitimate boasting, which is rooted in what God has accomplished, not personal achievements.

2 Corinthians 10:1-2 (NKJV) "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. But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh."

Paul begins by contrasting his physical demeanor with his bold written words, pleading in the character of Christ's gentleness rather than asserting authority. He hopes to avoid using harshness when he visits, addressing those who accuse him of worldly motives.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NKJV) "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,"

Although Paul and his fellow workers live as humans, their conflict and tactics are spiritual. They rely on divine power, which is capable of demolishing spiritual fortresses, symbolizing arguments and every pretense that sets itself against God’s knowledge.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV) "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,"

This verse details the objective of spiritual warfare: to overcome intellectual and philosophical opposition to God’s truth. Paul emphasizes subduing every rebellious thought and aligning it with Christ’s teachings, ensuring complete spiritual obedience.

2 Corinthians 10:6 (NKJV) "and being ready to punish all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."

Paul is prepared to discipline any disobedience among the Corinthians, but only after they have fully embraced and demonstrated their own obedience to the teachings of Christ, highlighting the conditional nature of his corrective actions.

2 Corinthians 10:7 (NKJV) "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."

Here, Paul challenges the Corinthians to reconsider their judgments based on superficial appearances. He reminds them that if they belong to Christ, they should recognize that Paul and his companions are also in Christ, asserting his legitimacy as an apostle.

2 Corinthians 10:8-9 (NKJV) "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—lest I seem to terrify you by letters."

Paul asserts that his authority, given by God, is intended for building up the church, not tearing it down. He addresses concerns that his forceful letters might scare them, clarifying that his strong language is aimed at their growth, not harm.

2 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV) "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."

This verse relays the criticism Paul faces: his letters are impactful, yet his physical presence and speaking skills are seen as inadequate. It highlights the disparity between how his written and spoken words are received.

2 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV) "Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will be also in deed when we are present."

Paul warns his critics that he is consistent in action as he is in words. He implies that the same authority and intensity conveyed in his letters will be evident when he is physically present among them.

2 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV) "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."

Paul refuses to compare himself with those who boast about their credentials based solely on self-evaluation. He criticizes this approach as unwise, emphasizing that true validation comes from God, not self-approval.

2 Corinthians 10:13-14 (NKJV) "We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as though our authority did not reach to you, for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ."

Paul asserts his rightful sphere of influence, designated by God, which includes the Corinthians. He clarifies that his role in their spiritual guidance is legitimate and divinely assigned, reinforcing his connection and responsibility towards them.

2 Corinthians 10:15-16 (NKJV) "not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, not boasting in another man’s sphere of accomplishment."

Paul expresses hope that as the Corinthians' faith grows, it will enable him to extend his ministry even further, without encroaching on the work others have done. He seeks to expand the gospel beyond their region while respecting the boundaries of others' ministries.

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (NKJV) "But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends."

In closing, Paul cites Jeremiah 9:24, reminding them that true boasting should be directed towards God, not oneself. Divine approval, not self-praise, determines the worthiness of a person's ministry, emphasizing that God’s endorsement is the ultimate measure of success.