January 5, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 10

¹ Now 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:

² But 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.

³ For 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;)

⁵ Casting 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;

⁶ And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

⁷ Do 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.

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.

¹¹ Let 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.

¹² For 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.

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.

¹⁴ For 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:

¹⁵ Not 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,

¹⁶ To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.

¹⁷ But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

¹⁸ For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

2 Corinthians Chapter 10 is a striking example of Paul’s defense of apostolic authority amidst personal attacks and misunderstandings. In the church at Corinth, there were voices questioning his authority, both due to his outward appearance and his demeanor. Paul uses this opportunity to demonstrate that his strength and authority do not stem from human power or rhetoric, but from divine calling and the spiritual weapons he received through Christ. This chapter encourages us to recognize the value of God’s standards and to avoid judging by external or fleshly criteria.

Commentary

Gentleness and Spiritual Authority (Verses 1–6):
Paul begins with an appeal to the Corinthians to be guided by the gentleness and humility of Christ. He points out that his ministry is not based on human boldness or fleshly strength but on the power of God. The spiritual weapons he employs are mighty in demolishing strongholds of thought, pride, and false teachings. This illustrates that the true battle of faith is spiritual in nature and that Christ’s authority brings everything under His obedience.

Standards of True Authority (Verses 7–11):
Paul challenges the Corinthians with the question of whether they judge by outward appearances. He emphasizes that his connection to Christ is just as genuine as those who criticize him. He asserts that his authority comes from God and that his actions align with the words in his letters. This underscores that true spiritual authority is evident in the consistency between words and actions.

Humility in Service and the Glory of God (Verses 12–18):
Paul critiques the self-exaltation of some of his opponents who measure and praise themselves. He emphasizes that true praise comes only from God and that all work in Christ’s service must occur under God’s direction and within the scope of His calling. Paul demonstrates that he does not boast of others’ achievements but strives to spread the Gospel further and give glory to God.

Summary

2 Corinthians Chapter 10 highlights the true nature of spiritual authority and the spiritual battle. Paul demonstrates that human standards and fleshly weapons have no place in God’s service. Instead, true strength is rooted in the power of God, which can demolish strongholds of pride and unbelief. Paul encourages the church to grow in humility and obedience, reminding them that all glory belongs to God. This chapter invites readers to reevaluate their perspective and live according to Christ’s standards.

0

0