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2 Corinthians 10

World English Bible

WEB

1Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2Yes, I beg you that I may not, when present, show courage with the confidence with which I intend to be bold against some, who consider us to be walking according to the flesh. 3For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; 4for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, 5throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience when your obedience is made full. 7Do you look at things only as they appear in front of your face? If anyone trusts in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again with himself, that even as he is Christ’s, so we also are Christ’s. 8For even if I boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for casting you down, I will not be ashamed, 9that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters. 10For, “His letters”, they say, “are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised.” 11Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present. 12For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding. 13But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you. 14For we don’t stretch ourselves too much, as though we didn’t reach to you. For we came even as far as to you with the Good News of Christ, 15not boasting beyond proper limits in other men’s labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence, 16so as to preach the Good News even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done. 17But “he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.” 18For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

2 Corinthians Chapter 10 presents a powerful defense of the Apostle Paul’s authority and ministry. Paul begins by addressing the criticisms he faces from some in the Corinthian church who question his credentials and approach. He emphasizes that he does not wage war according to the flesh, but rather, his weapons are spiritual and divinely powerful for tearing down strongholds. This highlights the spiritual nature of the Christian battle against sin and false teachings, as seen in verses 3-4, where Paul states, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh." This reminds believers that their struggles are not merely physical but deeply spiritual, requiring reliance on God’s strength and wisdom. #spiritualwarfare #Paul #Corinthians

As the chapter progresses, Paul addresses the issue of boasting and compares himself to those who commend themselves. He asserts that true commendation comes from the Lord, not from human approval. In verses 12-13, he declares, "But we will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us, a sphere which especially includes you." This serves as a reminder that God sets the boundaries of our influence and ministry, and we should remain humble and focused on His calling. Paul concludes by encouraging the Corinthians to recognize the authority given to him by God, urging them to be obedient to the truth of the Gospel. This chapter ultimately calls believers to engage in spiritual warfare with humility and reliance on God’s power, while also affirming the importance of divine authority in ministry. #humility #Gospel #authority

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Referenced by

  1. Joshua 6:20v4Joshua 6:20 describes the walls of Jericho falling after the Israelites' obedience to God's command. 2 Corinthians 10:4 speaks of spiritual warfare and divine power to demolish strongholds, reflecting the power of God in overcoming obstacles.
  2. Proverbs 27:2v18Proverbs 27:2 advises letting others praise you rather than self-praise. 2 Corinthians 10:18 reinforces this by stating that commendation from the Lord, not self, is what truly matters.
  3. Jeremiah 1:10v4Jeremiah 1:10 speaks of Jeremiah's authority to uproot and plant nations, reflecting the spiritual authority described in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 where believers are empowered to demolish strongholds.
  4. Ephesians 6:10v3Ephesians 6:10 calls believers to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, which aligns with 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, where Paul speaks about the spiritual nature of our warfare and the divine power available to believers.

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