2 Corinthians10
New International Version
1By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!
2I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.
3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
7You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do.
8So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it.
9I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters.
10For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.”
11Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
12We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
13We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you.
14We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ.
15Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand,
16so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory.
17But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Corinthians 10.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostle states his authority with meekness and humility. (1–6). Reasons with the Corinthians. (7–11). Seeks the glory of God, and to be approved of him. (12–18).
vv1-6
While others thought meanly, and spake scornfully of the apostle, he had low thoughts, and spake humbly of himself. We should be aware of our own infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us. The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing. What opposition is made against the gospel, by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men! But observe the conquest the word of God gains. The appointed means, however feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through God. And the preaching of the cross, by men of faith and prayer, has always been fatal to idolatry, impiety, and wickedness.
vv7-11
In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despised in the eyes of some, but this was a false rule to judge by. We must not think that none outward appearance, as if the want of such things proved a man not to be a real Christian, or an able, faithful minister of the lowly Saviour.
vv12-18
If we would compare ourselves with others who excel us, this would be a good method to keep us humble. The apostle fixes a good rule for his conduct; namely, not to boast of things without his measure, which was the measure God had distributed to him. There is not a more fruitful source of error, than to judge of persons and opinions by our own prejudices. How common is it for persons to judge of their own religious character, by the opinions and maxims of the world around them! But how different is the rule of God's word! And of all flattery, self-flattery is the worst. Therefore, instead of praising ourselves, we should strive to approve ourselves to God. In a word, let us glory in the Lord our salvation, and in all other things only as evidences of his love, or means of promoting his glory. Instead of praising ourselves, or seeking the praise of men, let us desire that honour which cometh from God only.
Key Words
Παῦλος (Paûlos): (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle
αὐτός (autós): the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
παρακαλέω (parakaléō): to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ὑμᾶς (hymâs): you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
διά (diá): through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
πρᾳότης (praiótēs): gentleness, by implication, humility
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιείκεια (epieíkeia): suitableness, i.e. (by implication) equity, mildness
Χριστός (Christós): anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
ὅς (hós): the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
2 Corinthians 10Paul repeats the key principle to 'glory in the Lord' from Jeremiah 9:23-24, matching his Corinthian exhortation.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Christ is the explicit model and source of the 'meekness and gentleness' that Paul appeals to.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
The language of 'pulling down strong holds' echoes the prophetic commission of Jeremiah to throw down.
Supported by JFB
Directly quotes and echoes the accusation that Paul's bodily presence is 'base' and 'weak'.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Matches Paul's warning of readiness to use bold discipline when present among the Corinthian challengers.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Warns against judging by 'outward appearance' rather than internal truth and divine choice.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Parallels Paul's defense of his apostolic authority given for 'edification' and not for 'destruction'.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallels Paul's missionary policy of not preaching on another man's foundation or line.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Paul's characteristic style of appealing to and beseeching believers by divine graces.
Supported by John Calvin
Directly matches the claim of being 'Christ's' in contrast to the false apostles' claims.
Supported by JFB
Contrasts Paul's ministry with those who foolishly commend themselves using self-written letters.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The Old Testament text behind Paul's core maxim to glory only in the Lord.
Supported by JFB
Elaborates on the theological reality of truly belonging to Christ by possessing His Spirit.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Addresses the specific charge that Paul's speech was 'contemptible' or 'rude in speech'.
Supported by JFB