2 Corinthians Chapter 10

Paul Defends his Ministry

1Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

7Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. 8For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 9That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. 10For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 11Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

12For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Paul’s Apostolic Authority

1 Now 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. 2 Yes, 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. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, 5 throwing 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; 6 and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience will be made full.

7 Do 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 also we are Christ’s. 8 For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed, 9 that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters. 10 For, “His letters,” they say, “are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised.” 11 Let 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.

12 For 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. 13 But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you. 14 For 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, 15 not 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, 16 so as to preach the Good News even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done. 17 But “he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.” 18 For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

Paul’s Apostolic Authority

1 Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away. 2 I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh.

3 For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. 4 The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.

7 You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does. 8 For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

9 I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters. 10 For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.” 11 Such people should consider that what we are in our letters when absent, we will be in our actions when present.

12 We 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 show their ignorance. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that reaches even to you. 14 We are not overstepping our bounds, as if we had not come to you. Indeed, we were the first to reach you with the gospel of Christ.

15 Neither do we boast beyond our limits in the labors of others. But we hope that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you will greatly increase as well, 16 so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. Then we will not be boasting in the work already done in another man’s territory.

17 Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” a 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Footnotes:

17 a Jeremiah 9:24

Paul Defends his Ministry

1And I, Paul, myself, do call upon you -- through the meekness and gentleness of the Christ -- who in presence, indeed am humble among you, and being absent, have courage toward you, 2and I beseech you, that, being present, I may not have courage, with the confidence with which I reckon to be bold against certain reckoning us as walking according to the flesh; 3for walking in the flesh, not according to the flesh do we war, 4for the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful to God for bringing down of strongholds, 5reasonings bringing down, and every high thing lifted up against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of the Christ, 6and being in readiness to avenge every disobedience, whenever your obedience may be fulfilled.

7The things in presence do ye see? if any one hath trusted in himself to be Christ's, this let him reckon again from himself, that according as he is Christ's, so also we are Christ's; 8for even if also anything more abundantly I shall boast concerning our authority, that the Lord gave us for building up, and not for casting you down, I shall not be ashamed; 9that I may not seem as if I would terrify you through the letters, 10because the letters indeed -- saith one -- are weighty and strong, and the bodily presence weak, and the speech despicable.' 11This one -- let him reckon thus: that such as we are in word, through letters, being absent, such also, being present, we are in deed.

12For we do not make bold to rank or to compare ourselves with certain of those commending themselves, but they, among themselves measuring themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are not wise, 13and we in regard to the unmeasured things will not boast ourselves, but after the measure of the line that the God of measure did appoint to us -- to reach even unto you; 14for not as not reaching to you do we stretch ourselves overmuch, for even unto you did we come in the good news of the Christ, 15not boasting of the things not measured, in other men's labours, and having hope -- your faith increasing -- in you to be enlarged, according to our line -- into abundance, 16in the places beyond you to proclaim good news, not in another's line in regard to the things made ready, to boast; 17and he who is boasting -- in the Lord let him boast; 18for not he who is commending himself is approved, but he whom the Lord doth commend.

2 Corinthians 10

The Authority of Paul’s Ministry

¹ By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you, brothers and sisters. I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” when away! ² I beg you that when I come, I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think we live by the standards of this world.*

Spiritual Warfare

³ For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. ⁴ The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. ⁵ We 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.*

Paul’s Authority and Obedience

⁶ And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. ⁷ You 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. ⁸ So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.*

The Dangers of Comparison

⁹ I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. ¹⁰ For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” ¹¹ Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.*

Paul’s Focus on His Mission

¹² We 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. ¹³ We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. ¹⁴ We 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.

¹⁵ Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, ¹⁶ so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, for we do not want to boast about work already done in another’s territory.*

The True Basis of Boasting

¹⁷ But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” ¹⁸ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.*

Footnotes:

•10:2: Paul expresses a contrast between his demeanor in person and in writing, addressing potential misunderstandings about his authority and character.

•10:5: The term “strongholds” refers to entrenched beliefs or systems that oppose the knowledge of God. Paul emphasizes the need to confront these with spiritual weapons.

•10:6: Paul signals that obedience is essential for the community’s growth and spiritual health, indicating a reciprocal relationship between the leaders and the church.

•10:10: This highlights criticism Paul faced regarding his physical presence and speaking abilities, emphasizing that effective ministry is not about outward appearance.

•10:12: Paul warns against the folly of self-commendation and the danger of comparison, promoting a focus on God’s standards rather than human measures.

•10:16: The “regions beyond you” implies Paul’s vision for evangelism and growth, encouraging the Corinthians to see their role in a broader mission.

•10:17: Quoting scripture, Paul stresses that true validation comes from God rather than self-promotion, reinforcing the humble posture of a servant leader.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 10?

1.1Introduction to 2 Corinthians 10

1.2Context of 2 Corinthians 10

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.52 Corinthians 10 Unique Insights

1.62 Corinthians 10 Connections to Yeshua

1.72 Corinthians 10 Scriptural Echoes

1.82 Corinthians 10 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 10?

Introduction to 2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10 marks a significant shift in tone within Paul’s letter, where he launches into a passionate defense of his apostolic authority and ministry methods. This chapter opens what scholars often call the “tearful portion” of the epistle, where Paul’s deep emotional investment in the Corinthian congregation becomes evident through his pointed response to critics who questioned his legitimacy as an apostle.

The power of this chapter lies in how Paul masterfully weaves together military imagery, personal vulnerability, and spiritual warfare into a compelling argument for authentic Christian ministry. His words here are particularly significant as they address fundamental questions about spiritual authority, humility in leadership, and the nature of true apostolic ministry, making it essential reading for understanding biblical leadership and spiritual warfare.

Context of 2 Corinthians 10

This chapter begins the final section of 2 Corinthians (chapters 10-13), which scholars believe may have been written separately from chapters 1-9, possibly as part of the “severe letter” referenced in 2 Corinthians 2:4. The immediate context shows Paul addressing specific accusations from his opponents in Corinth who questioned his authority and compared his written boldness to his supposedly weak physical presence.

Within the broader Pauline corpus, this chapter serves as a crucial exposition of authentic Christian leadership and spiritual authority. It connects thematically to Paul’s teachings about spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6 and his discussions of apostolic authority in Galatians. The military metaphors employed here echo similar imagery found throughout Scripture, from Joshua’s conquests to the spiritual battles described in Daniel.

Moreover, this chapter provides essential context for understanding the nature of Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church and the challenges faced by early Christian leaders. His response to criticism here reveals both the personal cost of ministry and the theological foundations for Christian authority and spiritual warfare.

Ancient Key Word Study

πραΰτητος (prautētos) – “meekness” (v.1): This term, often mistranslated as mere gentleness, carries the nuance of power under control. In classical Greek, it described a war horse trained for battle – powerful yet responsive to the slightest touch of the rider. Paul’s use here deliberately contrasts with accusations of weakness.
σαρκὶ (sarki) – “flesh” (v.3): While literally meaning flesh, Paul uses this term to represent human limitations and natural existence, contrasting it with spiritual reality. The word carries theological weight throughout his letters, representing both human weakness and the arena of spiritual battle.
στρατείας (strateias) – “warfare” (v.4): A military term referring to an entire campaign rather than just a single battle. The word choice suggests organized, strategic spiritual conflict rather than random skirmishes.
ὀχυρωμάτων (ochyrōmatōn) – “strongholds” (v.4): Originally referring to fortified military positions, this term was used in the Septuagint for fortresses opposing God’s people. Paul adapts it to describe entrenched systems of thought opposing God’s truth.
λογισμοὺς (logismous) – “arguments” (v.5): This term encompasses both philosophical reasoning and imagination. It refers to human intellectual constructions that set themselves against divine truth.
αἰχμαλωτίζοντες (aichmalōtizontes) – “taking captive” (v.5): A vivid military term for taking prisoners of war. Paul uses it to describe the comprehensive nature of Christ’s victory over opposing thoughts and philosophies.
ὑπακοὴν (hypakoēn) – “obedience” (v.5): Literally meaning “to hear under,” this word implies submissive attention leading to action. It suggests not mere compliance but active alignment with Christ’s authority.
ἐξουθενημένος (exouthenēmenos) – “contemptible” (v.10): This strong term means “to be considered as nothing.” It reflects the harsh criticism Paul faced regarding his physical presence and speaking ability.
καυχήσομαι (kauchēsomai) – “boast” (v.13): A key term in 2 Corinthians, used here not for self-promotion but to establish legitimate grounds for authority and ministry.

Compare & Contrast

Paul’s use of “παρακαλῶ” (I appeal) in verse 1 rather than “ἐπιτάσσω” (I command) sets a tone of pastoral concern rather than autocratic authority, while still maintaining apostolic authority.
The military metaphors in verses 3-6 employ specifically Roman military terminology (στρατευόμεθα, ὅπλα) rather than general warfare terms, connecting with both the Roman context of Corinth and the universal experience of spiritual warfare.
The phrase “κατὰ πρόσωπον” (face to face) in verse 1 uses the preposition κατὰ rather than the more common πρὸς, emphasizing direct personal confrontation rather than mere physical presence.
The contrast between “absent” and “present” in verse 11 uses παρὼν and ἀπὼν rather than simpler terms, emphasizing the theological significance of presence and absence in ministry.
The term “measure” (μέτρον) in verse 13 is chosen over possible alternatives like ὅρος (boundary) to emphasize divine apportionment rather than mere limitation.
Paul’s use of “commend” (συνιστάνων) in verse 12 employs a term that implies both recommendation and demonstration, rather than simpler terms for praise or approval.
The description of “bold” (θαρρῶ) in verse 2 uses a term implying confident courage rather than mere audacity (τολμάω).

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2 Corinthians 10 Unique Insights

The structure of this chapter reveals a sophisticated rhetorical strategy common in Greco-Roman discourse. Paul employs the diatribe style, anticipating and answering opponents’ arguments, while weaving in military metaphors that would resonate with readers in Corinth, a Roman colony.

Early rabbinic sources provide interesting parallels to Paul’s discussion of authority and presence. The concept of a שליח (shaliach – authorized representative) in Jewish law helps illuminate Paul’s understanding of apostolic authority. The Mishnah tractate Berachot discusses similar themes about the relationship between physical presence and authority in religious matters.

The early church father Chrysostom saw in Paul’s military metaphors a profound picture of spiritual transformation. He noted how the progression from demolishing strongholds to taking thoughts captive parallels the process of conversion and discipleship. This interpretation gained widespread acceptance in patristic literature.

The chapter’s emphasis on divine measurement (μέτρον) connects with both Greek philosophical concepts of proper bounds and Jewish wisdom literature’s emphasis on divinely appointed limits. However, Paul transforms these concepts by grounding them in Christ’s authority rather than human wisdom or traditional boundaries.

The reference to “bold letters” suggests possible physical limitations affecting Paul’s handwriting, which some scholars connect to his “thorn in the flesh” mentioned in chapter 12. Archaeological evidence of ancient letter writing provides context for understanding how physical presence and written communication were evaluated in the ancient world.

2 Corinthians 10 Connections to Yeshua

Paul’s defense of his ministry reflects and extends the Messiah’s own teaching about authority and service. Just as Yeshua demonstrated power through apparent weakness, culminating in the cross, Paul’s ministry embodies this paradox of strength made perfect in weakness. His emphasis on divine power working through human limitation points to the incarnational pattern established by the Messiah.

The warfare imagery Paul employs connects to Yeshua’s own confrontations with spiritual opposition and His ultimate victory over Satan’s kingdom. The “pulling down of strongholds” echoes Yeshua’s ministry of delivering people from demonic oppression and challenging entrenched religious systems that opposed God’s truth.

The concept of taking thoughts captive to obey Christ reflects Yeshua’s emphasis on inner transformation rather than mere external compliance. This mirrors His teachings about heart change and the renewal of the mind as essential aspects of Kingdom living.

2 Corinthians 10 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous Old Testament themes and prophecies. The military imagery recalls יהוה as Divine Warrior in texts like Exodus 15:3 and Isaiah 42:13. Paul’s concern with divinely appointed boundaries echoes Proverbs 8:29 and Job 38:10.

The contrast between appearance and reality connects to 1 Samuel 16:7, where יהוה teaches Samuel about looking beyond external appearances. The theme of divine authorization echoes Moses’ commission and the prophetic calls of Isaiah and Jeremiah.

The concept of spiritual warfare develops themes from Daniel 10 about angelic conflict and Ephesians 6:12 about wrestling against spiritual forces. The emphasis on obedience to Christ fulfills the prophetic hope of Jeremiah 31:33 about God’s law written on hearts.

2 Corinthians 10 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our understanding of spiritual authority and warfare. Paul’s example teaches us that true spiritual power often works through apparent weakness, and that our effectiveness in ministry depends not on impressive external appearances but on supernatural enabling from God.

The military imagery reminds us that we are engaged in real spiritual conflict. How often do we recognize and actively engage in pulling down strongholds of wrong thinking in our own lives and communities? The call to take every thought captive to Christ challenges us to examine our thought life and align it with God’s truth.

Paul’s concern with proper boundaries and divine authorization prompts us to consider our own spheres of influence and responsibility. Are we operating within God’s appointed boundaries for us? Are we comparing ourselves with others or measuring ourselves by God’s standards?

Did You Know

The term “strongholds” (ὀχυρωμάτων) used by Paul was the same word used in the Septuagint to describe the fortified cities that initially intimidated the Israelite spies in Canaan.
Corinth was a Roman colony with a strong military presence, making Paul’s military metaphors particularly relevant to his audience.
The accusation about Paul’s letters being “weighty and strong” may reflect ancient conventions about letter writing, where professional letter writers were often employed.
The contrast between Paul’s written and physical presence reflects ancient rhetorical discussions about the relationship between written and spoken communication.
Archaeological evidence from ancient Corinth shows it was a city filled with impressive rhetorical displays and public speakers, contextualizing the criticism of Paul’s speaking abilities.
The concept of “divine measurement” (μέτρον) had parallels in both Greek philosophy regarding proper bounds and Jewish wisdom literature about divinely appointed limits.
The reference to taking thoughts “captive” uses terminology from Roman military triumphal processions, where captured enemies were publicly paraded.
Paul’s emphasis on not comparing oneself with others challenged common Greco-Roman practices of public honor and status competition.
The criticism of Paul’s physical presence may reflect ancient physiognomic beliefs that connected physical appearance with character and authority.
The term for “boasting” (καύχησις) appears more frequently in 2 Corinthians than in any other New Testament book, indicating its importance to Paul’s argument.

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