c. Are not wise: This is a simple analysis of the Corinthian approach of measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves. Paul realizes how much better it would be if the Corinthian Christians would just recognize his authority so that he wouldnt have to boast somewhat more about it. No doubt every apostle was influenced in the same way; and this was a wise order of God; for by these means the Gospel was more quickly spread through the heathen provinces than it otherwise would have been. of Paul himself was a tent maker. As it is customary for cowards and overbearing men to threaten the weak and the timid when present; to bluster when absent; and to be very obsequious in the presence of the strong and courageous. There were many nomadic dwellers who lived in tents. 1. But in this and the remaining chapters he addresses the false teachers, and such of the faction as adhered to them, speaking to them (3.) 2Cor. WebWhat does 2 Corinthians chapter 10 mean? The apostle's resolution was to keep within his own province, and that compass of ground which God had marked out for him. 2Cor. Then he will come to punish the disobedience of those who will not renounce those carnal weapons. Pauls despisers said, his bodily presence is weak, only looking at his appearance. But there are often false appearances. Paul used autos and ego (cf. Concerning this observe, 1. So his enemies spoke of him with contempt, and he seems to acknowledge it; while others thought meanly, and spoke scornfully of him, he had low thoughts of himself, and spoke humbly of himself. Hallelujah! Paul does For in these I delight, says the LORD. WebTimely Fulfillment of Obligations (2 Corinthians 8:1012) Paul reminds the believers in Corinth that they had already signaled their intentions to participate in the collection for the churches in Judea during the previous year. When we let the Holy Spirit measure us through Gods Word, He measures us on Gods scale, and He looks at the heart. Teach Us about Faith? 2 Corinthians 10 - A Study Guide by Mark A. Copeland Web1. (2 Corinthians 10:7) The Corinthian Christians had a carnal reliance on outward appearances. Let not any of the ministers of Christ think it strange if they meet with perils, not only from enemies, but from false brethren; for blessed Paul himself did so. WebWhat does 2 Corinthians 12:10 mean? b. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. Chapter 5 The motives of The power of thought. The doctrines of the gospel and discipline of the church are the weapons of this warfare; and these are not carnal: outward force, therefore, is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. a. iii. We dare not make ourselves, c.] As if he had said: I dare neither associate with, nor compare myself to, those who are full of self-commendation. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a The apostles had deacons or ministers with them whose business it was to water the seed sown; but the apostles alone, under Christ, sowed and planted. WebVerse-. Why Are There So Many Different Bible Translations? 4. Who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you] He seems to quote these as the words of his calumniator, as if he had said; "This apostle of yours is a mere braggadocio; when he is among you, you know how base and contemptible he is; when absent, see how he brags and boasts." Now, &c. Hitherto St. Pauls discourse, in this epistle, was chiefly directed to those at Corinth who acknowledged his apostleship, and who had obeyed his 2 Corinthians 10 We often want people to see our heart. 2 Corinthians 10 Chapter 2 Restoration of a sinner. Prophets On the other side, we should not make others our measure, feeling we are failures if by outward appearance they are more successful. Web2 Corinthians 10:1-3. Verse 2 Corinthians 10:18. ii. Herein I give my advice For I speak not by way of commandment, 2 Corinthians 8:8.. For this is expedient for you It is necessary you should do this to preserve a consistency of conduct; for ye began this work a year ago, and it is necessary that ye should complete it as soon as possible.. Not only to do, but also His relation to Christ: If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's, v. 7. Steve Lenk. Having now finished his directions and advices relative to the collection for the poor, he resumes his argument relative to the false apostle, who had gained considerable influence by representing St. Paul as despicable in his person, his ministry, and his influence. (Clarke). This seems to be the spirit and design of this slander. If we can credit some ancient writers, such as Nicephorus, we shall find the apostle thus described: An old Greek writer, says the same author, whose works are found among those of Chrysostom, tom. Those accusing Paul were referring to the flesh as Pauls sinful nature. He fixes a better rule for his conduct, namely, not to boast of things without his measure, which was the measure God had distributed to him, v. 13. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 13 But 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. See above. 2 Corinthians 7:2-16. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.. Web(10) For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful. Though we walk in the flesh The flesh has two meanings. Web2 Corinthians 9:10. II. Isnt this contradictory? 2 Corinthians 10 Commentary - Commentary Critical and Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Verse 2 Corinthians 10:10. (2.) Every man who ministers in holy things should be well assured of his call to the work; without this he can labour neither with confidence nor comfort. WebSecond Corinthians 10:118 contains Paul's response to charges against him from critics in Corinth. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. (2 Corinthians 10:2) Paul hopes that the Corinthians will change their attitude towards him and his credentials as an apostle so that he may come to them in gentleness, not severity. Now the apostle reasons thus with the Corinthians: "Suppose it to be so, allowing what they say to be true (and let us observe that, in fair arguing, we should allow all that may be reasonably granted, and should not think it impossible but those who differ from us very much may yet belong to Christ, as well as we), allowing them," might the apostle say, "what they boast of, yet they ought also to allow this to us, that we also are Christ's." For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are Gods. a. Answer. He does it to build the body of believers up (edification), not to tear it down (destruction). The power of his preaching, v. 3, 5. At the same time, whether Pauls weakness in bodily presence and speaking ability was temporary or permanent, it didnt bother Paul. Of all flattery, self-flattery is the worst, and self-applause is seldom any better than self-flattery and self-deceit. 1. ( 2 Things without our measure There is a great deal of difficulty in this and the three following verses, and there is a great diversity among the MSS. WebRead the Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6. Today, the idea of apostolic authority is cheapened by many of those who claim to be apostles.. Web2 Corinthians 10:12 - For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. Note, When we find ourselves tempted or inclined to be rough and severe towards any body, we should think of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, that appeared in him in the days of his flesh, in the design of his undertaking, and in all the acts of his grace towards poor souls. Verse 2 Corinthians 8:10. All rights reserved. Web4. He appears to think that every apostle had a particular district or province of the heathen world allotted to him, and which God commissioned him to convert to the Christian faith. What they could not attach to his character, they disingenuously attached to his person and his elocution. 2 Corinthians 10 Web2 Corinthians 10:5. Thoughts of lust, thoughts of anger, thoughts of fear, thoughts of greed, bitter thoughts, evil thoughts they are part of every thought that may be and must be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. c. Who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you: Here, Paul reveals a matter of great contention between him and the Corinthian Christians. Well, so we are Christs as well.. Historical Books The work of the ministry is a warfare, not after the flesh indeed, for it is a spiritual warfare, with spiritual enemies Paul tackles one of their arguments against him in this chapter. 2 Corinthians 1 - 7 : Paul explains his service for the Lord. This last section of Second Corinthians contains some of the strongest language against people that the Apostle Paul uses in any of his letters. First, it means making yourself the measure of others. ii. Probably because that is exactly what his opponents among the Corinthian Christians did. 2 I beg you that when I come I may not He knew that when he was weak, it gave Gods power all the more opportunity to work. 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. (7-11) Seeks the glory of God, and to be approved of him. IV. The ability to think is (1) man's great distinction, (2) the instrument of all his work, and (3) the great material with which he works. Though he was so blameless and inoffensive in all his carriage, so condescending and useful to all, yet there were those who bore him ill-will, who envied him, and did all they could to undermine him, and lesson his interest and reputation. The money for the Christians in Jerusalem. And he should be careful to watch over the flock, that no destroying wolf be permitted to enter the sacred fold, and that the fences of a holy discipline be kept in proper repair. Web2 Corinthians 10:5. POPERY could never, by any power of self-reviviscence, restore itself after its defeat by the Reformation: it had no Scripture, consecutively understood; no reason, no argument; in vain were its bells rung, its candles lighted, its auto da fe's exhibited; in vain did its fires blaze; and in vain were innumerable human victims immolated on its altars! I. i. a. In this chapter the apostle, in a mild and humble manner, asserts the power of his preaching, and to punish offenders, ver 1-6. It should seem that some boasted mighty things of themselves, and made a fair show. 2 Corinthians 10 Instead of boasting or exulting even in your own success in preaching the Gospel, as none can be successful without the especial blessing of God, let God who gave the blessing have the glory. It remains a valuable resource for Christians seeking a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. Verse 2 Corinthians 10:6. ii. the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! Though we walk in the flesh That is: Although I am in the common condition of human nature, and must live as a human being, yet I do not war after the flesh -I do not act the coward or the poltroon, as they insinuate. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. i. Paul's second letter to the Christians at Corinth, gives us a glimpse of his tender heart towards the believers there. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Historical Books They exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. I have a good cause, a good captain, strength at will, and courage at hand. See Ephesians 6:10-17; 1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:3-5. I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness Having now finished his directions and advices relative to the collection for the poor, he resumes his argument relative to the false apostle, who had gained considerable influence by representing St. Paul as despicable in his person, his ministry, and his influence. The Listener's Commentary: 2 Corinthians 12:1-13 on Apple Podcasts GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Web1. Let him of himself Without any authority, certainly, from God; but, as he arrogates to himself the character of a minister of Christ, let him acknowledge that even so we are Christ's ministers; and that I have, by my preaching, and the miracles which I have wrought, given the fullest proof that I am especially commissioned by him. WebEllicott's Commentary for English Readers (12) We dare not make ourselves of the number. WebThe Book of 2 Corinthians. i. Paul wanted the respect of the Corinthian Christians, but he wanted it for their sake, not his own. Verse 2 Corinthians 10:9. ( 2 Corinthians 10:1) Paul pleads with the Corinthians. He plainly intimates that they took a wrong method to commend themselves, in measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, which was not wise. The Old Testament ii. 8 For 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: 9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. 10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. The New Testament He did this to build up, not to destroy. i. Some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 2 Corinthians 10 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary Proud member The ability to think is (1) man's great distinction, (2) the instrument of all his work, and (3) the great material with which he works. It is amazing how feeble a resistance heathenism made, by argument or reasoning, against the doctrine of the Gospel! General Epistles But mighty through God Our doctrines are true and pure, they come from God and lead to him, and he accompanies them with his mighty power to the hearts of those who hear them; and the strong holds-the apparently solid and cogent reasoning of the philosophers, we, by these doctrines, pull down; and thus the fortifications of heathenism are destroyed, and the cause of Christ triumphs wherever we come; and we put to flight the armies of the aliens. Pentateuch i. They claim that though his letters are potent, he is pathetic in person. Salem Media Group. a. (1-6) Reasons with the Corinthians. Pauls humility and complete reliance on the power of God instead of the power of his own personality, coupled with his strong letters, were being used against him. b. They are also full of pride and self-conceit; they look within themselves for accomplishments which their self-love will soon find out; for to it real and fictitious are the same. Email / username or password was incorrect! Verse 2 Corinthians 10:4. He pivots here in chapter 10 to bring correction to the false teacher (s). 2 Corinthians 10 Bible Commentary 2 Corinthians 10 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience I am ready, through this mighty armour of God, to punish those opposers of the doctrine of Christ, and the disobedience which has been produced by them.. Major Prophets What opposition is made against the gospel by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men. The Whole Bible WebChapter 10 The apostle states his authority with meekness and humility. 10:1 "Now I, Paul, myself urge you" Paul does not use the "we" of previous chapters because he is defending himself personally before the accusations of the false teachers. Verse 14. (12-18) Verses 1 Every where defeated, the conquered submit, and are brought into captivity, , are led away captives; and thus the whole government is destroyed. It isnt a contradiction at all. If the offense had been something personal towards Paul, we would expect it to be the other way around. Our Secret Weapons The idea of the limits of the sphere comes from the lanes that were allotted for runners in a race. NIV. He acted according to this rule: We stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, v. 14. Within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us: Pauls authority in the church was not unlimited. We have a measure to reach even to you, 2 Corinthians 10:13. This was meant to satirize his self-promoting opponents in Corinth. i. (2 Corinthians 10:5) That means that I have a chance to do something about all thoughts that are not well-pleasing to God, before they enter my heart and become a i. conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy No one is so low that they cannot glory in the LORD. i. Wisdom Literature (7-11) Seeks the glory of God, and to be approved of him. Verse 2 Corinthians 10:5. I will come to you with all the authority I have shown in my letters. If the Corinthian Christians knew how serious Paul was, they would have received this as a solemn warning.