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2 Corinthians 10:5
Verse
Context
Paul’s Apostolic Authority
4The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.5We 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.6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Casting down imaginations - Λογισμους· Reasonings or opinions. The Greek philosophers valued themselves especially on their ethic systems, in which their reasonings appeared to be very profound and conclusive; but they were obliged to assume principles which were either such as did not exist, or were false in themselves, as the whole of their mythologic system most evidently was: truly, from what remains of them we see that their metaphysics were generally bombast; and as to their philosophy, it was in general good for nothing. When the apostles came against their gods many and their lords many with the One Supreme and Eternal Being, they were confounded, scattered, annihilated; when they came against their various modes of purifying the mind - their sacrificial and mediatorial system, with the Lord Jesus Christ, his agony and bloody sweat, his cross and passion, his death and burial, and his glorious resurrection and ascension, they sunk before them, and appeared to be what they really were, as dust upon the balance, and lighter than vanity. Every high thing - Even the pretendedly sublime doctrines, for instance, of Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics in general, fell before the simple preaching of Christ crucified. The knowledge of God - The doctrine of the unity and eternity of the Divine nature, which was opposed by the plurality of their idols, and the generation of their gods, and their men-made deities. It is amazing how feeble a resistance heathenism made, by argument or reasoning, against the doctrine of the Gospel! It instantly shrunk from the Divine light, and called on the secular power to contend for it! Popery sunk before Protestantism in the same way, and defended itself by the same means. The apostles destroyed heathenism wherever they came; the Protestants confuted popery wherever their voice was permitted to be heard. Bringing into captivity every thought - Heathenism could not recover itself; in vain did its thousands of altars smoke with reiterated hecatombs, their demons were silent, and their idols were proved to be nothing in the world. 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! The light of God penetrated its hidden works of darkness, and dragged its three-headed Cerberus into open day; the monster sickened, vomited his henbane, and fled for refuge to his native shades. The obedience of Christ - Subjection to idols was annihilated by the progress of the Gospel among the heathens; and they soon had but one Lord, and his name one. In like manner the doctrines of the reformation, mighty through God, pulled down - demolished and brought into captivity, the whole papal system; and instead of obedience to the pope, the pretended vicar of God upon earth, obedience to Christ, as the sole almighty Head of the Church, was established, particularly in Great Britain, where it continues to prevail. Hallelujah! the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
imaginations--rather, "reasonings." Whereas "thought" expresses men's own purpose and determination of living after their own pleasure [TITTMANN]. high thing--So it ought to be translated (Rom 8:39). A distinct Greek word from that in Eph 3:18, "height," and Rev 21:16, which belongs to God and heaven from whence we receive nothing hurtful. But "high thing" is not so much "height" as something made high, and belongs to those regions of air where the powers of darkness ::exalt themselves" against Christ and us (Eph 2:2; Eph 6:12; Th2 2:4). exalteth itself-- Th2 2:4 supports English Version rather than the translation of ELLICOTT, &c., "is lifted up." Such were the high towers of Judaic self-righteousness, philosophic speculations, and rhetorical sophistries, the "knowledge" so much prized by many (opposed to "the knowledge of God"), which endangered a section of the Corinthian Church. against the knowledge of God--True knowledge makes men humble. Where there is exaltation of self, there knowledge of God is wanting [BENGEL]. Arrange the words following thus: "Bringing every thought (that is, intent of the mind or will) into captivity to the obedience of Christ," that is, to obey Christ. The three steps of the apostle's spiritual warfare are: (1) It demolishes what is opposed to Christ; (2) It leads captive; (3) It brings into obedience to Christ (Rom 1:5; Rom 16:26). The "reasonings" (English Version, "imaginations") are utterly "cast down." The "mental intents" (English Version, "thoughts") are taken willing captives, and tender the voluntary obedience of faith to Christ the Conqueror.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Casting down imaginations,.... Or "reasonings"; the carnal reasonings of the minds of natural men against God, his providences and purposes, against Christ, and the methods of salvation, and every truth of the Gospel; which are all disproved, silenced, and confounded, by the preaching of the word, which though reckoned the foolishness and weakness of God, appears to be wiser and stronger than men; and whereby the wisdom of the wise is destroyed, and the understanding of the prudent brought to nothing: and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God; every proud thought of the heart, every great swelling word of vanity, every big look, even all the lofty looks and haughtiness of men, with every airy flight, and high towering imagination, reasoning, and argument advanced against the Gospel of Christ; which is here meant by the knowledge of God, and so called, because it is the means of leading souls into the knowledge of God, even into a better knowledge of him than can be attained to, either by the light of nature, or law of Moses; to a knowledge of him, and acquaintance with him in Christ the Mediator, in whom the light of the knowledge of the glory of God is given; and with which knowledge of God eternal life is connected, yea, in this it consists; it is the beginning of it, and will issue in it. And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; or "carrying captive the whole understanding"; that is, so illustrating it with divine light, that it clearly sees Christ to be the alone, able, willing, full, and suitable Saviour, and so becomes obedient to him, both as a Saviour and a King; such an enlightened soul looks to him alone for life and salvation, ventures on him, and relies upon him, and is desirous and willing to be saved by him in his own way; he receives and embraces all his truths and doctrines with faith and love, and obeys them from the heart, and cheerfully and willingly submits to all his commands and ordinances; for though he is taken by the grace of God, and all his strong holds, reasonings, and high thoughts are demolished by the power of God in the Gospel, and he himself is carried captive, yet not against, but with his will, to be a voluntary subject of Christ, and cheerfully to submit to the sceptre of his kingdom.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Paul’s Apostolic Authority
4The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.5We 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.6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Biblical Manhood) -Morning Brunch
By Paul Washer20K1:18:16ManhoodJDG 17:6ISA 1:4HOS 4:61CO 11:12CO 10:51TH 2:142TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a godly example to our children. He shares his desire for his son to see him on his knees, weeping with joy about Jesus Christ. The speaker highlights the responsibility parents have for their children's spiritual well-being, referencing 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 and Hosea 4-6. He urges parents to strive to know and live by the Scriptures, as every word they speak will be judged on the day of judgment. The speaker also addresses the reality of conflict and sin in families and emphasizes the need to submit our lives to God's revealed will.
Questions & Answers
By Warren Wiersbe7.4K59:18PRO 4:23MAT 6:33MAT 11:28LUK 24:32ROM 12:22CO 10:5REV 21:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of creativity in preaching the word of God. He shares a humorous anecdote about two farmers discussing their church service, highlighting the need for sermons to be creative and engaging. The preacher also talks about the importance of renewing the mind and guarding against negative influences that can affect our thoughts. He encourages listeners to focus on doing what is right and not worry about what others say. Additionally, he mentions his plans to write a book on the Old Testament and the blessings that come from living a life of faith.
(Om Orientation) Discipline - Part 1
By Jonathan McRostie5.6K38:13OrientationPSA 119:11PRO 23:7ISA 26:3ROM 12:22CO 10:5PHP 4:8COL 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of disciplining our thoughts. He highlights that our thoughts play a crucial role in shaping our actions and words. The speaker encourages filling our minds with good and truthful things, rather than leaving them empty. He also discusses the discipline of meditation and the need to focus on things that are pure, lovely, and of good report, as mentioned in Philippians 4. The speaker acknowledges that disciplining our thoughts is not easy, but it is a necessary process in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ.
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 1
By Alan Cairns3.4K09:08PSA 33:12PRO 14:34PRO 29:2MIC 6:8MAT 22:21ROM 6:232CO 10:5EPH 5:111TI 2:11PE 5:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning between different sins and understanding that while all sin is damnable, not all sin is equal. It encourages believers to engage in the political process with a discerning eye, recognizing the threats to Christian morality and the right of Christianity to exist in society. The message underscores the need for God's people to stand against anti-Christian ideologies and to make informed decisions based on God's truth.
The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded #1
By John Owen2.6K1:32:31Audio BooksPRO 23:7ISA 26:3MAT 22:37ROM 8:62CO 10:5PHP 4:8COL 3:2The sermon transcript discusses the importance of being spiritually minded and the dangers of being influenced by the world. The preacher emphasizes that the preaching and publishing of a discourse on being spiritually minded is timely and necessary for Christians in the present circumstances. The sermon highlights the need for individuals to be aware of the ways in which the world tries to impose itself on their minds and distract them from faith and obedience. The preacher also explains that being spiritually minded is essential for experiencing life and peace, and provides insights into the nature and requirements of this mindset.
Overcoming Depression
By Neil T. Anderson2.4K1:13:28DepressionOvercoming DepressionHope in ChristPSA 34:18PSA 42:11ISA 41:10MAT 11:28JHN 16:33ROM 8:282CO 10:5PHP 4:8HEB 4:151PE 5:7Neil T. Anderson addresses the pervasive issue of depression, sharing personal experiences and emphasizing the importance of understanding both the emotional and spiritual dimensions of mental health. He highlights the need for the church to be a place of mercy and grace, contrasting it with secular approaches that often lack true healing. Anderson encourages believers to recognize that depression can stem from distorted thinking and emphasizes the power of Christ to bring hope and transformation. He also discusses the biological aspects of depression, advocating for a holistic approach that includes both spiritual and medical support. Ultimately, he asserts that the truth of God's Word is essential for overcoming despair and finding freedom.
Blood Covenant - Part 1
By Bob Phillips2.3K58:47GEN 2:3PSA 25:8PSA 25:10MAT 6:33ROM 8:12CO 10:5EPH 2:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to the entire series of tapes in numerical order to fully understand the teaching. The speaker references Psalm 25:8, highlighting that the Lord instructs sinners and leads the humble in justice. The paths of the Lord are described as being filled with loving kindness and truth. The speaker then discusses the consequences of not repenting and how it can lead to a broken love relationship with God, resulting in attempts to cover up sin and justify it. The sermon concludes with an invitation to repeat certain phrases and a reminder to proceed to the next tape.
The Do's and Don'ts of Witnessing to Cults
By Walter Martin2.3K57:03CultsMAT 6:33ACT 16:312CO 10:5EPH 6:10COL 4:62TI 2:151PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having Christ enthroned in our hearts and lives before defending the Christian Gospel. He shares a personal story of a young boy who was transformed by Christ and became a witness for Him. The speaker also highlights the need to prioritize winning souls over winning arguments, showing love and compassion to others. He advises against trying to impress people with biblical knowledge and instead encourages understanding their mindset in order to effectively communicate.
Renewal of the Mind
By Richard Sipley1.9K1:03:43Renewing The MindMAT 6:33JHN 8:36ROM 12:12CO 10:5GAL 5:1PHP 4:8In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who was convicted of a serious crime and sentenced to 40 years in prison. The man decides to conduct an experiment on what it feels like to be free after being in bondage for so long. He collects pieces of wire and fills a bottle with them, symbolizing the entanglement and confinement he experienced in prison. Eventually, the man is released on parole, but when asked what it feels like to be free, he realizes he doesn't know yet. The story serves as a metaphor for how our lives can become shaped by the bondage and limitations we experience, and the need to truly understand and embrace freedom.
(Spirit-Filled Life) Part 4: Lay All on the Altar
By Zac Poonen1.9K1:03:33Surrender to GodSpirit Filled LifeNUM 13:33PRO 14:14LUK 11:13ROM 8:14ROM 12:11CO 10:22CO 10:5GAL 2:20GAL 5:24HEB 4:2Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of laying everything on the altar to experience a Spirit-filled life, drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan and the Christian's journey towards spiritual victory. He explains that the two baptisms the Israelites underwent symbolize salvation and the immersion in the Holy Spirit, which is meant to lead believers into a life of victory over sin. Poonen warns against seeking the Holy Spirit for mere experiences, urging believers to trust God fully and to confront the 'giants' of sin in their lives with faith. He highlights that true victory comes from recognizing our position in Christ and actively engaging in the battle against the flesh, rather than living in a state of religious complacency. Ultimately, he calls for a continuous surrender to God, encouraging believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in their daily lives.
Why God Hates Pride
By Harold Vaughan1.8K1:07:19Pride2CH 7:14PSA 51:10ISA 40:3MAT 6:33ROM 12:22CO 10:5EPH 6:12COL 3:131TI 4:13JAS 4:7In this sermon, Pastor Joe encourages listeners to humble themselves before God and confess their sins. He emphasizes the importance of being honest and open with God, acknowledging our pride and shortcomings. He shares a personal story about a friend who taught him the importance of waiting for God's timing and not taking matters into our own hands. The sermon concludes with a reminder that we will be held accountable for our own actions and that we should focus on our own relationship with God rather than criticizing others.
(Om Orientation) the Pull of the Flesh - Part 2
By George Verwer1.8K21:25Orientation1CO 10:11CO 10:61CO 10:81CO 10:112CO 10:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong desire for freedom from sin and a hunger to see others set free as well. He compares this desire to the determination of soldiers in boot camp and prisoners in World War II prison camps. The speaker encourages listeners to bring their bodies into subjection and rely on the resources of God during difficult times. He also mentions the need for discipline and references the apostle Paul's instruction to bring the body into subjection.
The Lord Has Promised to Deliver You - Part 2
By David Wilkerson1.7K07:19PSA 34:17PSA 51:10PSA 103:2ISA 41:10MAT 11:28ROM 8:12CO 10:5JAS 4:71JN 1:9This sermon is a heartfelt invitation for those feeling distant from Jesus to come forward and surrender to His lordship, acknowledging the need for a close relationship with Him. It emphasizes the power and comfort available through communion with Jesus, urging individuals to cast aside doubts, fears, and lies planted by the enemy. The message encourages repentance, trust in God's goodness, and the rejection of negative thoughts, while highlighting the story of David as a model of repentance and turning to the Lord in times of failure.
Take Heed of Sinning in Thought
By Ralph Venning1.7K30:38Audio BooksEXO 2:23PSA 51:10PSA 119:11MAT 6:33ROM 2:162CO 10:52TI 2:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning away from vanity and avoiding evil. He explains that what we see and hear can greatly influence our thoughts and actions, and that indulging in vain objects and speeches can lead to ungodliness. The preacher highlights that the gospel's purpose is to bring our thoughts into obedience to Christ, and that it has the power to transform our hearts and minds. He warns against idleness and being easily swayed by temptation, urging listeners to guard their thoughts and words. The sermon concludes with the recommendation to humbly seek God's help in cleansing and renewing our hearts.
Freedom From Bondages
By Lou Sutera1.5K57:13Bondages2CH 7:14PSA 16:11JHN 8:32JHN 8:362CO 10:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of bondage and freedom in Christianity. He emphasizes that those who commit sin are slaves to sin, highlighting the need for liberation. The preacher then introduces Jesus as the bondage breaker who can set believers free. He identifies four categories of bondages that believers need to be set free from: sinful pride bondages, sins of the spirit, human flesh bondages, and the bondage of impure thoughts. The preacher encourages the congregation to seek freedom in these areas through repentance and surrender to Christ.
Giving Our Mind to Christ - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.4K09:57MAT 6:19ROM 8:29ROM 12:22CO 10:5This sermon emphasizes the dangers of selfishness and worldly thinking in religious practices, highlighting the need to bring our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. It challenges the common motivations behind joining a church or living a Christian life, pointing out the deception of materialism and the importance of true spiritual transformation.
Setting Fire to Satan's Harvest - Part 2
By Carter Conlon1.2K10:57PSA 28:7PSA 34:12CO 2:112CO 10:5PHP 2:14This sermon emphasizes the need to identify and address the negative influences and complaints that hinder our relationship with God, urging believers to set fire to the harvest of unrighteousness sown by the enemy. It calls for a shift from complaining to worshiping, trusting in God's faithfulness, and choosing fellowship with the righteous. The message encourages a declaration of faith, surrendering complaints, and embracing God's mercy and strength, leading to a life of praise and trust in His divine purpose.
The Root Cause of Anxiety
By Shane Idleman93653:41PRO 14:30MAT 6:33ROM 8:5ROM 12:22CO 10:5PHP 4:8This sermon delves into the root cause of anxiety and fear, emphasizing the importance of seeking God first. It highlights how worry stems from stress and external factors, leading to self-inflicted anxiety. The message urges listeners to bring every thought captive to Christ, cut off sources fueling fear, and prioritize seeking the kingdom of God to overcome anxiety and trust in God's provision.
Lord, Help Me Change
By Shane Idleman60056:42ISA 30:15ACT 3:19ROM 13:142CO 10:5JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the need for change in our lives, addressing the struggle to overcome sin and the importance of surrendering to God. It highlights the need to expose our sins, put safeguards in place, and change our environment to foster spiritual growth. The sermon also stresses the role of God in strengthening us and renewing our minds, leading to a life filled with the Holy Spirit and peace.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 162
By Don Courville34026:08Radio ShowPRO 1:21PRO 12:20MAT 26:38ROM 1:212CO 10:51PE 3:81PE 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church being a place of fellowship, encouragement, growth, and building up. He highlights the seven things that God hates, including a heart that divides and sows discord among brethren. The preacher emphasizes the need to cast down evil imaginations and bring every thought into obedience to Christ. He also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and fervent charity among believers, as it covers a multitude of sins. The preacher encourages listeners to seek reconciliation and unity in their church, as strife and pride hinder growth and grieve the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes the freedom and abundant life found in Christ and the importance of having a deep fellowship with Him.
Now Begin
By K.P. Yohannan0The Power of PrayerDeveloping a Prayer Life1SA 1:10MAT 18:19LUK 18:1ROM 12:122CO 10:5EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of taking action in prayer, urging listeners to move beyond inspiration and actually begin praying. He highlights the importance of developing a disciplined prayer life, recognizing that spiritual warfare often seeks to distract us from this vital practice. Yohannan encourages individuals to seek God's guidance in their prayer habits, suggesting that prayer should be a collaborative effort with others for mutual encouragement and accountability. He warns against the distractions of busyness and the need for structure in prayer meetings, advocating for a balance that allows for both freedom and focus. Ultimately, he stresses that the most crucial step is to simply start praying, as this will lead to a deeper understanding of God's heart and purpose.
Joshua Chapter 8 Kirjath-Sepher, or the Mind of Christ
By A.B. Simpson0Mind of ChristVictory over the Carnal MindISA 58:11JHN 7:38ROM 12:21CO 1:252CO 10:5GAL 5:22EPH 4:23PHP 2:5JAS 3:62PE 1:3A.B. Simpson explores the significance of Kirjath-Sepher and the mind of Christ, emphasizing the need for believers to conquer their natural minds and thoughts through faith. He illustrates how Othniel's victory over Kirjath-Sepher symbolizes the triumph of the spiritual life over the carnal mind, leading to the reception of divine grace, represented by Achsah. Simpson highlights that true sanctification involves surrendering our old thoughts and receiving the mind of Christ, which transforms our character and speech. He encourages believers to seek the springs of grace that flow from God, which empower them to live a life of victory and abundance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a radical transformation of the mind and heart to align with God's will and purpose.
Resist and He Will Flee
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfareTemptationMAT 4:9JHN 8:36ROM 8:12CO 10:5EPH 6:11HEB 4:15JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 1:9REV 12:11David Wilkerson emphasizes the powerful temptation that Satan presented to Jesus, offering him dominion over the world in exchange for worship. This temptation, while seemingly absurd, reveals Satan's desperation to avoid his own fate at Calvary. Wilkerson draws parallels to how Satan continues to tempt believers today, using threats and accusations to instill doubt and despair. He encourages Christians to resist these temptations, reminding them that through Christ's sacrifice, they are free from the power of sin and can confidently declare their freedom. The key message is that by resisting the devil, he will flee from us.
Cut Off One Head
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual WarfareThe Nature of SinMAT 5:29ROM 6:122CO 10:5GAL 5:17EPH 6:12COL 3:5HEB 12:1JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 1:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes the persistent nature of sin, comparing it to the mythical Hydra that grows multiple heads when one is cut off. He illustrates that simply addressing sin once is insufficient, as it continually resurfaces in various forms. The sermon calls for a deeper, more consistent effort to combat sin in our lives, recognizing its tenacity and the need for ongoing vigilance and spiritual warfare.
Keep Your Heart With All Diligence
By Thomas Brooks0Guarding the HeartSpiritual VigilancePSA 51:10PRO 4:23JER 17:9MAT 6:21ROM 12:22CO 10:5EPH 6:11PHP 4:7JAS 4:81PE 5:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the critical importance of guarding one's heart, as it is the source of all life and spiritual vitality. He illustrates that the heart is the central focus of God's attention and should be treated as a precious treasure, requiring diligent protection against the influences of sin and temptation. Brooks urges Christians to maintain their hearts in a gracious and watchful state, recognizing that this is a challenging yet essential task for spiritual growth. He highlights the need for constant vigilance and the application of various spiritual disciplines to keep the heart aligned with God's will. Ultimately, Brooks conveys that a well-kept heart is a testament to one's faith and relationship with Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Casting down imaginations - Λογισμους· Reasonings or opinions. The Greek philosophers valued themselves especially on their ethic systems, in which their reasonings appeared to be very profound and conclusive; but they were obliged to assume principles which were either such as did not exist, or were false in themselves, as the whole of their mythologic system most evidently was: truly, from what remains of them we see that their metaphysics were generally bombast; and as to their philosophy, it was in general good for nothing. When the apostles came against their gods many and their lords many with the One Supreme and Eternal Being, they were confounded, scattered, annihilated; when they came against their various modes of purifying the mind - their sacrificial and mediatorial system, with the Lord Jesus Christ, his agony and bloody sweat, his cross and passion, his death and burial, and his glorious resurrection and ascension, they sunk before them, and appeared to be what they really were, as dust upon the balance, and lighter than vanity. Every high thing - Even the pretendedly sublime doctrines, for instance, of Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics in general, fell before the simple preaching of Christ crucified. The knowledge of God - The doctrine of the unity and eternity of the Divine nature, which was opposed by the plurality of their idols, and the generation of their gods, and their men-made deities. It is amazing how feeble a resistance heathenism made, by argument or reasoning, against the doctrine of the Gospel! It instantly shrunk from the Divine light, and called on the secular power to contend for it! Popery sunk before Protestantism in the same way, and defended itself by the same means. The apostles destroyed heathenism wherever they came; the Protestants confuted popery wherever their voice was permitted to be heard. Bringing into captivity every thought - Heathenism could not recover itself; in vain did its thousands of altars smoke with reiterated hecatombs, their demons were silent, and their idols were proved to be nothing in the world. 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! The light of God penetrated its hidden works of darkness, and dragged its three-headed Cerberus into open day; the monster sickened, vomited his henbane, and fled for refuge to his native shades. The obedience of Christ - Subjection to idols was annihilated by the progress of the Gospel among the heathens; and they soon had but one Lord, and his name one. In like manner the doctrines of the reformation, mighty through God, pulled down - demolished and brought into captivity, the whole papal system; and instead of obedience to the pope, the pretended vicar of God upon earth, obedience to Christ, as the sole almighty Head of the Church, was established, particularly in Great Britain, where it continues to prevail. Hallelujah! the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
imaginations--rather, "reasonings." Whereas "thought" expresses men's own purpose and determination of living after their own pleasure [TITTMANN]. high thing--So it ought to be translated (Rom 8:39). A distinct Greek word from that in Eph 3:18, "height," and Rev 21:16, which belongs to God and heaven from whence we receive nothing hurtful. But "high thing" is not so much "height" as something made high, and belongs to those regions of air where the powers of darkness ::exalt themselves" against Christ and us (Eph 2:2; Eph 6:12; Th2 2:4). exalteth itself-- Th2 2:4 supports English Version rather than the translation of ELLICOTT, &c., "is lifted up." Such were the high towers of Judaic self-righteousness, philosophic speculations, and rhetorical sophistries, the "knowledge" so much prized by many (opposed to "the knowledge of God"), which endangered a section of the Corinthian Church. against the knowledge of God--True knowledge makes men humble. Where there is exaltation of self, there knowledge of God is wanting [BENGEL]. Arrange the words following thus: "Bringing every thought (that is, intent of the mind or will) into captivity to the obedience of Christ," that is, to obey Christ. The three steps of the apostle's spiritual warfare are: (1) It demolishes what is opposed to Christ; (2) It leads captive; (3) It brings into obedience to Christ (Rom 1:5; Rom 16:26). The "reasonings" (English Version, "imaginations") are utterly "cast down." The "mental intents" (English Version, "thoughts") are taken willing captives, and tender the voluntary obedience of faith to Christ the Conqueror.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Casting down imaginations,.... Or "reasonings"; the carnal reasonings of the minds of natural men against God, his providences and purposes, against Christ, and the methods of salvation, and every truth of the Gospel; which are all disproved, silenced, and confounded, by the preaching of the word, which though reckoned the foolishness and weakness of God, appears to be wiser and stronger than men; and whereby the wisdom of the wise is destroyed, and the understanding of the prudent brought to nothing: and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God; every proud thought of the heart, every great swelling word of vanity, every big look, even all the lofty looks and haughtiness of men, with every airy flight, and high towering imagination, reasoning, and argument advanced against the Gospel of Christ; which is here meant by the knowledge of God, and so called, because it is the means of leading souls into the knowledge of God, even into a better knowledge of him than can be attained to, either by the light of nature, or law of Moses; to a knowledge of him, and acquaintance with him in Christ the Mediator, in whom the light of the knowledge of the glory of God is given; and with which knowledge of God eternal life is connected, yea, in this it consists; it is the beginning of it, and will issue in it. And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; or "carrying captive the whole understanding"; that is, so illustrating it with divine light, that it clearly sees Christ to be the alone, able, willing, full, and suitable Saviour, and so becomes obedient to him, both as a Saviour and a King; such an enlightened soul looks to him alone for life and salvation, ventures on him, and relies upon him, and is desirous and willing to be saved by him in his own way; he receives and embraces all his truths and doctrines with faith and love, and obeys them from the heart, and cheerfully and willingly submits to all his commands and ordinances; for though he is taken by the grace of God, and all his strong holds, reasonings, and high thoughts are demolished by the power of God in the Gospel, and he himself is carried captive, yet not against, but with his will, to be a voluntary subject of Christ, and cheerfully to submit to the sceptre of his kingdom.