2 Corinthians 10

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 jBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 36 2 8 0 0 10. Apostolic Authority, part 1) (10:1 18)) ) ) Outline) 10:1 13:10 IV. Apostolic Authority ) 10:1 11:33 A. Paul s Ministry and Opponents ) 10:1 11 1. Defense and Power ) 10:1 6 a. Spiritual Weapons ) 10:7 11 b.

Delegated Authority ) 10:12 18 2. Boasting and Limits ) ) ) ) IV. Apostolic Authority) 10:1 13:10) 10 1 I, Paul, personally appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ I who am subservient among you when present in person but bold toward you when away 2 I ask that when I come I need not be bold and have confidence with which I expect to be courageous against some who think that we conduct ourselves in a worldly manner. 3 For even though we are living in the world, we do not wage war in a worldly manner. 4 For the weapons we use in our warfare are not of the world but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every elevated structure that rises up against the knowledge of God. And we lead captive every thought to obey Christ. 6 And we are ready to punish every disobedience as soon as your obedience is complete.) 7 Look at the things that are before you. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, let him consider this: that just as he belongs to Christ so do we, too. 8 For even if I boast somewhat excessively about our authority that the Lord gave for your edification and not for your destruction, I will not be ashamed. 9 [I forbid you to think] that I appear to frighten you with my letters. 10 Because it is said, His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical appearance is weak and his speech of no account. 11 Let such a person consider this: what we say by means of letters while absent, we will also do when present.) ) The tone in the last four chapters of this epistle differs from that of the first nine chapters. Now Paul is much more personal than in the first part, where he uses both the plural and the singular personal pronouns: we and I; us and me; ours and mine.

In chapters 10 13 the first person singular is much more prominent than the plural pronoun. Even when Paul uses the plural pronoun in 10:1 11:6, he refers to himself, as is evident from, for instance, 10:3, 7, 11, and 13.��1��) The reason for the difference in tone between the first nine and the last four chapters probably lies in Paul s administration of pastoral care. The church had experienced some disturbances that had been settled by the time Paul wrote the epistle. He desired to establish rapport with the members of the congregation and after accomplishing that objective to write more specifically about his opponents. Paul had to point out to his people the difference between his genuine call to apostleship and his opponents fraudulent credentials. He realized that as long as his opponents remained in Corinth peace and harmony would vanish.) Thus, Paul repeatedly has to call attention to his forthcoming visit (10:1 2; 12:14, 21; 13:1); these comments provide a connection with the previous chapter (9:4 5).

But there are many other links between the first and second parts of this epistle.��2�� For instance, in 2:9 Paul writes about the obedience of the Corinthians, a concept that he reiterates in 10:6. He refers to the god of this age, who has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel (4:4). And he portrays Satan as one who masquerades as an angel of light (11:14). Paul speaks of commendation in 5:12 and again in 12:11. He sends Titus and a companion to Corinth (8:17 18) and later refers to them again (12:18). The apostle does not plan to spare the Corinthians on his arrival, as he states at the beginning and the end of his letter (1:23; 13:2).

And last, before he arrives in Corinth, he writes different letters to avoid receiving grief (2:3) and having to act harshly toward the Corinthians (13:10).) Next, Paul alludes to his opponents early in his epistle when he notes that they peddled the Word of God for profit and did not preach Christ (2:16 17; 3:1 4). In a later chapter, he gives a vivid description of his opponents who preach another Jesus, proclaim a different gospel, and masquerade as apostles of Christ (11:4 5, 13).) Third, Paul was forced to counteract the work of the false apostles, for they were undermining his authority in Corinth. They invaded the church he had founded and sought to destroy his work. They were Judaists at work, impugning his authority and corrupting his Gospel; there was at least a minority of the Church under their influence; there were large numbers living, apparently, in the grossest sins (chap. xii. 20 f.); there was something, we cannot but think, approaching spiritual anarchy. ��3�� Paul had to change his tone when he addressed these issues in the last chapters.) Throughout his epistle, but especially in chapters 10 13, Paul defends his apostleship. The variations in tone are all part of this defense. He wrote his epistle according to the norms of the day, so that the entire letter is apologetic and its text a unity.��4��) And last, the influx of Judaizers must have occurred after Paul had written and dispatched I Corinthians.��5�� That epistle does not explicitly counteract these people.

If then the teachings of Paul s opponents had just begun, the apostle was obliged to offset their influence with a sharp rebuke in the concluding segment of his epistle. At the onset of the opponents effort to undermine his apostolic authority, he wants to arrest their control over some members of the church in Corinth. Their subversion is a two-pronged attack against his apostolicity and his gospel message. Notice, therefore, that Paul does not address the opponents as such but rather alerts the members of the Corinthian church to be aware of their pernicious influence.) Concluding this brief survey (see the Introduction for more details), we note that Paul strengthened his relationship with the members of the church in chapters 1 9. With the membership firmly on his side, he now completes his epistle by alerting them to the spiritual dangers they face from the false apostles. Together, as apostle and members of the church, they must act.) A.

Paul s Ministry and Opponents) 10:1 11:33) The difference in form between the preceding chapters (8 and 9) and the next four (10 13) is readily apparent. For example, Paul delighted in the Corinthians qualities of faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love (8:7); he praised them for their obedience to the gospel, their generosity toward others, and their reception of God s surpassing grace (9:13). But in the next four chapters the emphasis changes. He hopes that he does not have to be bold (10:2); he mentions that their obedience is incomplete (10:6); he chides them for tolerating someone who enslaves them (11:20); and he tells them to examine themselves as to their own faith in Christ (13:5).) Somewhat abruptly the apostle defends his ministry to the Corinthians. He waits until the last part of his epistle to confront the undermining influence of the false teachers. He informs the Corinthians that these assaults are spiritual onslaughts that must be overcome by making every thought obedient to Christ.

In the power of Christ s gospel, Paul and his fellow workers go forth exercising the authority the Lord has given them. Hence, he pleads with the Corinthians for faithfulness to Jesus and to the gospel that the apostles have proclaimed. Paul himself is able to demonstrate his faithfulness to Jesus by listing the sufferings he has endured for his Lord.) 1. Defense and Power) 10:1 11) a. Spiritual Weapons) 10:1 6) 1. I, Paul, personally appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ I who am subservient among you when present in person but bold toward you when away.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.2|AUTODETECT|” a. I, Paul, personally appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ. In all of his epistles, Paul speaks only three times in such an intense and personal manner 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.18|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��6�� He demands the Corinthians full attention, for the matter of false teachers touches all of them. He wants them to listen to him and says, Now I, Paul, myself urge you (NASB). And so in this verse, Paul shows his warm feelings toward these problem children in Corinth.��7�� His words cannot be spoken to them by anyone but the apostle himself. Appealing to his spiritual offspring, he speaks to them as a father to his children.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The apostle personally addresses his readers, because at stake is his apostolic authority. Neither Timothy nor Titus had been maligned by the interlopers, but these interlopers had freely slandered Paul. In his absence from Corinth, all kinds of accusations had been leveled against him. Paul lists one of them: His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical appearance is weak and his speech of no account (v. 10). Does he shrink from these accusations? No, he meets them directly but, as always, in the spirit of Christ.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.29|AUTODETECT|” After the phrase I, Paul, appeal to you he pens a reference to Christ s meekness and gentleness. Although this phrase is abrupt, Paul tempers his language by pointing to Jesus. If Jesus displayed the virtues of meekness and gentleness, so should his followers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.29|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.1|AUTODETECT|” ). Paul seeks to imitate Christ, and he encourages his readers to do the same 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ; see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Asking for his readers attention, he appeals to Christ s virtues.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Meekness is often considered to be weakness, but the Bible teaches that these two qualities are not identical. Moses is portrayed as a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Num. 12:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ), but no one is able to ascribe weakness to him. Jesus calls the meek blessed, for they will inherit the earth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Meekness refers to enduring disgrace, maltreatment, and death at the hands of evildoers. The noun also denotes the humble and gentle attitude which expresses itself in particular in a patient submissiveness to offence, free from malice and desire for revenge. ��8�� Meekness is a messianic virtue that Jesus displayed when he rode toward and into Jerusalem at his triumphal entry. He thus fulfilled the messianic prophecy that the Savior would be gentle and riding on a donkey 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.5|AUTODETECT|” Gentleness is a term that denotes graciousness, leniency, and fairness. This trait is closely related to meekness and flows forth from it. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.5|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.37|AUTODETECT|” ). The two terms, meekness and gentleness, must describe every Christian who strives to follow Christ s example. They refer to possessing authority that is exercised without force or friction. Standing before Pontius Pilate, Jesus answered the governor with quiet dignity. And as a result Pilate sensed that he faced royalty: You are a king, then! 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.37|AUTODETECT|” John 18:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Jesus could have summoned legions of angels but instead he exhibited passive strength. Rulers often hide their weakness behind brute force, but Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords rules with meek humility.) 1 8 2 8 0 0 If the Corinthians acknowledge Jesus as Lord, they should also acknowledge and adopt for themselves his virtues of meekness and gentleness. Paul has learned to apply these two virtues to his own life, and he implies that the Corinthians should follow in his steps. The verbal and physical abuse he has endured with quiet dignity mark him as a true follower of Christ. He teaches that the world spurns a lifestyle of meekness and gentleness, but God deems it a way of life.��9��) b. I who am subservient among you when present in person but bold toward you when away. As is his custom, Paul often quotes the very words of his antagonists, which in this case are subservient and bold.

Paul deliberately chooses this taunt of his detractors, for in his vocabulary the word subservient has a positive meaning and is akin to meekness. But his opponents use it negatively to present him as weak, miserable, and unimportant.��10�� He has been accused of being a weakling when he is present in the Corinthian church, but as soon as he is away from there he is bold.) Paul s opponents could accuse him with impunity; since the founding of the Corinthian church, he had made only a brief visit that was painful (2:1). The adversaries faulted him for delegating the responsibility of caring for the church to Timothy, Silas, Titus, and Apollos. And they criticized him for communicating by letters. The word bold means that his adversaries called him insolent.) These two allegations should not be understood as merely personal attacks but rather as attempts to subvert his apostleship. The intruders intend to nullify his ministry by asserting that it is of human origin.

Paul can endure attacks on his character, for he knows that he is far from perfect. But he cannot allow assaults on the Spirit s work through him in the churches. Indeed, these attackers touch his God-ordained calling to be an apostle and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.) Paul takes advantage of their accusations by turning weakness into a virtue. He sees himself as an instrument in God s hand, so that in lowliness and weakness God s power becomes evident (11:30; 12:9).��11��) 2. I ask that when I come I need not be bold and have confidence with which I expect to be courageous against some who think that we conduct ourselves in a worldly manner.) a. Coming.

I ask that when I come I need not be bold. In the Greek, the pronoun you as direct object of the verb to ask is lacking but should be understood, and it refers to the Corinthians. Paul is not appealing to them but is expressing his own preferences.) The apostle is asking three things: that he need not come to deliver a stern address; that upon his coming he may have the confidence and courage to encounter his slanderers; and that he can show that his conduct has been above reproach.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.21|AUTODETECT|” The time for Paul s departure for Corinth is coming closer, but he hopes that opposition to his teaching may have disappeared before he arrives. Paul would rather be welcomed by the Corinthians in mutual love and respect than face hostility. He anticipates that he does not have to be bold in the sense of coming to discipline them 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.21|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 4:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Discipline should be applied only as a last resort and then as a corrective measure designed to draw people closer together. When it arises out of anger and is administered in haste, the results inevitably are disastrous and lead to lasting separation.) 1 10 2 8 0 0 b. Confidence. And have confidence with which I expect to be courageous against some [people]. Note that Paul is not saying that he hopes to avoid a confrontation with the church at Corinth. Rather, he opposes the intruders who have come into the church and are leading some of its members astray. He is specific and speaks about some people, whom he later identifies as superapostles or false apostles (11:5, 13; 12:11).

His is the task of nullifying the teachings and claims of these Judaizers.��12�� Philip Edgcumbe Hughes correctly observes that earlier in his epistle Paul had alluded to these people who accused the apostle of conducting himself in a worldly manner (1:17). He adds that this reference is yet another link between the earlier part and the concluding chapters of the letter. ��13��) Paul explains what he means by being bold toward some people: He had to disprove the slanders of his detractors, who accused him of being a weakling in Corinth but bold at a distance. And he does this effectively by stating, What we say by means of letters while absent, we will also do when present (v. 11). The apostle turns their slander on its head by writing the verb to be courageous, a word choice that highlights his convictions.��14�� He mentions that he needs both confidence and courage to void his detractors influence.) c. Conduct. Against some who think that we conduct ourselves in a worldly manner.

The apostle is in combat with some false teachers, few in number, who methodically plot their course of action and use slander and misrepresentation to gain their ends. The longer they stay in Corinth, the more followers they will gain.) These false teachers cut Paul at the core of his spiritual existence: his conduct. His adversaries claim that he is seeking self-gratification and is guided by a desire to dominate.��15�� They say that Paul conducts himself as an unbeliever; literally, that he walks according to the flesh. This particular saying is a phrase Paul himself uses to describe unbelievers.��16�� The phrase, however, is a reflection on his enemies rather than on the apostle. They themselves exhibit arrogance, egotism, disdain, and self-commendation. Yet they ascribe all this to Paul in a deliberate attempt to discredit his relationship to Jesus Christ, his call to be the apostle to the Gentiles, his ministry in the church, and his faithful preaching of Christ s gospel.

It is no wonder that Paul devotes chapters 10 12 to combatting the pernicious influence of the Judaizers.) Paul s opponents also accuse him of being an inept leader, one whose timidity makes him an ineffective preacher and one who lacks basic spiritual qualities to edify the Corinthians (v. 10).) Paul does not speak to his foes directly, for this letter is addressed not to them but to the church in Corinth. He writes about these people and instructs the Corinthians how to oppose the infiltrators. Paul is not standing alone but next to and, in a sense, in the midst of the believers. He counts on his spiritual offspring to form a united front against the enemy. He does not wish to see them fall into apathy and yield to the forces of deceit and falsehood.) ) Practical Considerations in 10:1) The world demands competitiveness. Stressing individualism, it tells us to care for ourselves at the expense of others.

The virtues of kindness, gentleness, and meekness have no place in the context of competition. The world consigns these virtues to the so-called do-gooders who, so they say, are living on the fringes of society. Such people are considered to be weaklings.) Christians face the influences of the world and, consequently, adopt a defensive posture. As soon as someone deprives them of any honor, rank, possession, or goods they react vigorously. But this defensive attitude reveals an inner weakness of character and a lack of understanding of the full teachings of Christ.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.31|AUTODETECT|” Jesus teaches the golden rule, Do to others as you would have them do to you 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” ); the two precepts to love God and one s neighbor 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:37 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ); and the abiding truth of fully trusting in God.) 1 6 2 8 0 0 Whenever sincere Christians live by these teachings, meekness, gentleness, and kindness abound. Those followers of Christ who practice his teachings are heroes of faith, pillars of righteousness, defenders of the truth. Indeed, God places his people at strategic places in this world to promote his rule on earth.) ) ) 3. For even though we are living in the world, we do not wage war in a worldly manner.) a. Versions. Translations of this verse vary because Paul uses two phrases that are similar but present a play on words.

The literal wording is, For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (NKJV). We face a question of interpretation, for the phrases walk in the flesh and war according to the flesh are confusing.) Walking is the Greek idiom for living and describes our conduct in life or in the world. The word flesh may mean our human existence, as is evident from another translation: Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards (NRSV). Although the term flesh means life here on earth, ��17�� the immediate context suggests a slightly broader perspective, so that we understand the term to refer to the world around us. In fact, it characterizes human behavior as a purely worldly activity and perspective. ��18��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.14-43.17.16|AUTODETECT|” The verb to walk (to live) calls for a concessive conjunction, although or though. That is, Paul readily admits that he lives in the world, but he does not conform to its standards. To apply Jesus words to Paul, he was in the world but not of the world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.14-43.17.16|AUTODETECT|” John 17:14 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” b. Intent. In an earlier verse Paul appealed to his readers by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (v. 1). Because he has the mind of Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), he does not fight the world of sin by applying worldly standards; he fights according to the standards God has set.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.14-58.2.15|AUTODETECT|” God has rules for his kingdom (e.g., the Decalogue), has citizens in his kingdom, and has an army with generals and soldiers to fight the devil and his cohorts. The apostle is a general who serves in the army of the Lord and opposes Satan, the prince of this world. Paul wages a war of liberation by preaching Christ s gospel that sets people free from the bondage of sin and the fear of death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.14-58.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:14 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.26|AUTODETECT|” ). Even though the battle is ferocious, Christ s victory is sure. All enemies shall be placed under his foot; also the last enemy, death, shall be destroyed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.26|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Satan knows that his time is coming to an end, and so he uses every available weapon to resist defeat. In his arsenal he has the weapons of deceit, lies, subterfuge, guile, intimidation, compulsion, and force.) Followers of Jesus Christ, having been redeemed by Christ and set free from Satan s bondage, fight the evil that the devil and his followers perpetrate. In opposing the forces of evil, God s soldiers must use his armaments, not those of Satan. Among God s armaments are truth, honesty, integrity, justice, holiness, and faithfulness. From his people God requires faithfulness to his precepts, commands, and purposes. Dedication and wholehearted commitment to the Lord are the hallmarks of true believers.

The kingdom of God knows only few people who completely trust God, and that is why they are called great.) 4. For the weapons we use in our warfare are not of the world but have divine power to destroy strongholds.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.12|AUTODETECT|” a. For the weapons we use in our warfare are not of the world. The conflict between God s forces and those of Satan is spiritual and must be fought with spiritual weapons. Christians are able to arm themselves against the onslaughts of Satan by putting on the full armor of God, which consists of peace, truth, righteousness, faith, love, light, the sword of the Spirit, and salvation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.12|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.7|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.11|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.13-49.6.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.13-49.6.17|AUTODETECT|” 13 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.8|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In addition, they must prayerfully communicate with God, must hold on to the message of God s Word, and must ask God s Spirit to dwell in their hearts.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 The weapons of the world embody the converse of God s rules: the lie in place of the truth, darkness instead of light, grief rather than joy, and death as a substitute for life. In his opposition to God and his people, Satan resorts to both deception (Adam and Eve in Eden, Ananias and Sapphira in the early church) and cruel force (Abel as the first victim in the Old Testament and Stephen as the first martyr in the New Testament).) With these weapons, Satan attempts to impede the power of the gospel and fights God, the church, and the believers. John Calvin observes that the believer must learn to think of the Gospel as a fire at which the wrath of Satan is enkindled, and so he cannot but arm himself to the fight whenever he sees an opportunity for advancing the Gospel. ��19��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.21.22|AUTODETECT|” b. [We] have divine power to destroy strongholds. Sixteenth-century Scottish Reformer John Knox lived by this motto: With God, man is always in the majority. And with this majority, Christians indeed can destroy Satan s strongholds 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.21.22|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 21:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). These strongholds appear in many forms but are essentially the same; they are the systems, schemes, structures, and strategies that Satan designs to frustrate and obstruct the progress of Christ s gospel.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.8-55.2.9|AUTODETECT|” In prison, Paul penned his last epistle and wrote, This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God s word is not chained 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.8-55.2.9|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:8b 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.37|AUTODETECT|” ). The message of the gospel penetrates manmade walls by means of men and women armed with wisdom, courage, dedication, and faith. Through many means of communication (among them are the airwaves, computers, and the printed page), God s Word enters Satan s strongholds and demolishes his opposition. No one on earth is able to stop the march of the gospel, for we are more than conquerors through him who loved us 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.37|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 5. We destroy arguments and every elevated structure that rises up against the knowledge of God. And we lead captive every thought to obey Christ.) The punctuation of this text differs from that of other versions. I have incorporated the clause we destroy arguments into verse 5, whereas other translators put it with the preceding one. The flow of Paul s reasoning, however, favors its inclusion in the present text.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.16-66.13.17|AUTODETECT|” a. We destroy arguments and every elevated structure that rises up against the knowledge of God. Paul describes the conflict in terms of spiritual warfare that is not against people as such but against thought patterns, philosophies, theories, views, and tactics. We see here the image of the beast that comes up out of the earth, according to the apostle John, to control the thinking and activities of all human beings. Those who do not have the mark of the beast on their foreheads (symbolizing thought) and right hands (symbolizing work) are unable to buy or sell 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.16-66.13.17|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 13:16 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 The present tense of the verb destroy indicates that in this warfare God s people continually demolish the citadels of their enemies. To do so, they must enter these forts, which the apostle describes with the expression arguments. The intruders in Corinth employ verbal weapons in their onslaughts against the truth. They resort to arguments with which they seek to persuade the members of the church. Paul has to destroy their false doctrine and break down their reasonings. With their theories removed, the gospel is able to advance and flourish and sinners are set free.

This is true not only in Corinth, but also at every place where preachers, evangelists, and missionaries proclaim God s Word.) The language Paul adopts is borrowed from the battlefield.��20�� He writes the term hypsMma, which I have translated as elevated structure, literally elevated thing. The picture is that of a wall or a tower from which defenders discharge their ammunition, and which becomes an immediate target of advancing forces.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Translated into the area of philosophy, this figurative speech relates to any human theory raised up against the knowledge of the truth. It is earthly wisdom originating with the devil 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.3.15|AUTODETECT|” James 3:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.19|AUTODETECT|” ) and, therefore, must be shattered by the knowledge of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This divine knowledge is synonymous with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the knowledge of creation, sin, redemption, restoration, and resurrection. Paul taught and proclaimed the Good News but he also discussed the teachings of the gospel with both the Jews and the Gentiles. He demolished their human arguments to liberate human beings from the clutches of the evil one. His objective was to bring salvation to the people.) 1 6 2 8 0 0 As a general in the armed forces, Paul works out his strategy for attack as he faces the forces of unbelief. He observes the line of battle and takes note of strongholds and ramparts. His diction reveals parallelism: strongholds and arguments, elevated structure and the knowledge of God, and the act of making captives with both an object (every thought) and a goal (obedience to Christ).��21��) b. And we lead captive every thought to obey Christ. If one text in this epistle spells out Paul s battle triumphs in spiritual warfare, it is this one. The verb to lead captive in the present tense indicates that the act of taking prisoners is in progress, the battle is being won, and victory is inclusive (every thought; emphasis added).) The apostle continues with his imagery, for the conquest is to subdue not people but thoughts.

There is no mention of bloodshed and killing on this battlefield. Rather, all the theories are captured and brought into obedience to Christ. The culture that is conquered for Christ remains intact, but its components are transformed to serve him. These are the captive thought patterns that are brought into conformity with the teachings of the Lord.) The key word in the last phrase of this text is obey. When people repent, they experience a complete reversal in their thinking that directs their actions to obey Christ. Their former beliefs are now reshaped to serve not the evil one but Christ.��22�� These captives swear allegiance not to Paul the general but to Jesus the commander-in-chief.

And every captive thought displays obedience to Christ as an acknowledgment of his supreme rule.) 6. And we are ready to punish every disobedience as soon as your obedience is complete.) a. And we are ready to punish every disobedience. Paul continues to speak in military terms, for enemies who face defeat suffer its consequences. The infiltrators in the Corinthian church will have to face a general in Christ s army who is ready to mete out punishment. Paul is not revealing what measures he will take when he arrives in Corinth.

But everyone who has shown disobedience to Christ s gospel will face punishment. The readers are given an indirect warning not to fall into disobedience but to continue in their obedience to the teachings of Christ.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.35|AUTODETECT|” b. As soon as your obedience is complete. Vengeance belongs to the Lord, who will punish his enemies in due time 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.35|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.30|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Thus, Christ controls the Corinthian situation; when the time comes, he will execute judgment and use Paul as his agent.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 What is Paul trying to say in the last clause of verse 6? Although he addresses the readers as a group, the apostle distinguishes between the many who are faithful and the few who are not, namely, those who are led astray by intruders. He desires that all the members of the congregation dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to Jesus Christ by obeying his precepts.) Some scholars teach that Paul has in mind disobedience with respect to the collection.��23�� But this is hardly the case, because in this chapter Paul says nothing about the ingathering of funds.) Others scholars look ahead to the next chapter (11:4) and think that Paul is referring to another gospel preached by the superapostles.��24�� This interpretation has merit in view of his earlier remark in verses 1 and 2, where he confronted the readers with the slander uttered by the intruders. They and their followers will be punished. The matter of false teachers touches every member of the Corinthian church, for the invaders are preaching a gospel other than that of Christ. Therefore, the entire church must eradicate the false teachings of the intruders and obey only Christ s gospel. The church must exercise discipline to maintain its purity and power.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.20|AUTODETECT|” Through the working of the Holy Spirit, Christ s gospel is an overpowering force that calls people to repentance. Then in time, the gospel changes the structure of society so that it becomes a city of God. Christ s kingdom is not a matter of talk but of power, as Paul says in another place 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.20|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 4:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The citizens of this kingdoms in Corinth and elsewhere must wholeheartedly serve Jesus in obedience to his Word.) 1 9 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 10:1 6) Verses 1 2) �P�x� �r �| ������ the intensive pronoun receives emphasis and is followed by the personal pronoun for additional emphasis.) ��� here the line between accompaniment and instrumentality is very thin,��25�� yet the first choice, accompaniment, is favored.) Notice the balance of ��� and �� in the last two clauses; the contrast of ���p �������� (being present in person) and ��� (being away); the dissimilarity of �������� (meek) and ����� (bold); and the divergence of � (with, among) and �0� (toward).) �x �t ���|� �������� this construction takes the place of a purpose clause with 5�� �� and the aorist subjunctive. The participle is temporal . And the particle negates the infinitive.) ���p �����, � �����, ���p ����� Paul repeats the noun in verses 2 and 3 for the sake of contrast and tact.��26��) Verses 3 4) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ���p ����� in accordance with worldly standards. This phrase can also signify as to his human nature 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” ) and human ancestry 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��27��) 1 16 2 8 0 0 ������������� the present participle denotes continued action and is part of a concessive clause introduced by although. ) �����p �� ��� the adjective modifying the word E��� (weapons) depicts power, and the noun can be a dative of respect, powerful in respect to God ; a dative of advantage, for God, in whose service the weapons are used ;��28�� a dative of means, powerful by God ; or a dative that represents a Semitism, divine power. ��29��) ��x� ���������� the preposition expresses purpose and the noun can be interpreted as an activity, for destroying strongholds. ) ������������ the present tense of the participle signifies continued action, and the participle itself is the equivalent of a finite verb, we destroy. ��30��) Verse 5 6) ���������� the present participle can be either passive or middle . The passive is preferred. Notice the play on words of this participle and the preceding ������������.) �t� Q����t� ��� ������� the genitive following the noun obedience is not subjective (of Christ) but objective (for Christ). See also the contrast of obedience and disobedience.) ����� three times in two verses (vv. 5 6) Paul writes the word every to emphasize the totality of Christ s victory.) ������� this verb is an ingressive aorist that refers to a progressive action and is passive, with the readers as implied agents.) ) ) b. Delegated Authority) 10:7 11) The whole church of Corinth is asked to become involved in evaluating the problem at hand. To be fully informed, the Corinthians must look at the facts.

Paul makes it plain that they should consider and weigh the claims that an individual makes. For this reason Paul writes anyone (v. 7) and such a person (v. 11). The congregation as a body is encouraged to affirm Paul s apostolic authority over against the claims of the individual.) 7. Look at the things that are before you. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, let him consider this: that just as he belongs to Christ so do we, too.) a. Translations.

Look at the things that are before you. The Greek can be translated as a command, as given above, or as a declarative statement, You are looking only on the surface of things (NIV). Others make the sentence interrogative: Do you look at things according to outward appearance? (KJV, NKJV).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.25|AUTODETECT|” The interrogative does not fit a context that is devoid of questions. Hence, the choice must be either the first or the second translation. There are weaknesses in both. The declarative statement reflects a weakness because it is a paraphrase. Also, this translation allows for subtle shifts in meaning: the surface of things is less forceful language than obvious facts (NIV margin). A flaw in translating the Greek as an imperative is that in the New Testament the verb blepete (Look!) normally stands first in the sentence, which is not the case here. But throughout the New Testament, the second person plural of this verb is always an imperative 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.25|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Also, the verse includes one more command, let him consider this (v. 7b; see also vv. 11, 17). These particulars make the choice of an imperative attractive and preferable.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 b. Confidence. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, let him consider this. The conditional sentence discloses reality: someone in the Corinthian church is assured that he belongs to Christ, This assurance is so intense that Paul has strengthened the sentence with extra words that we omit for stylistic reasons. The literal reading is: If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ s, let him consider this again within himself (NASB). The person who claims to belong to Christ has a high opinion of himself, as is evident from the repetition of the pronoun himself.) What is the meaning of the phrase he belongs to Christ?

We are unable to reconstruct the setting of this remark and can only surmise its origin. Some scholars who declare that the phrase is a Gnostic saying��31�� must conjecture that Gnosticism was rampant in Corinth during the middle of the first century. And this can hardly be proved.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Next, the phrase brings to mind the report from Chloe s household that there were four factions in the church at Corinth, one of which belonged to Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.12|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We are not certain that the person who used this phrase was alluding to a faction, if indeed such a group existed in Corinth. Apart from the beginning of I Corinthians, we read nothing about factions.) 1 6 2 8 0 0 C. K. Barrett comments that the phrase more probably refers to a particular person who claims to be [of Christ] in a special way. ��32��) Third, perhaps someone who had been an earlier disciple of Jesus boasted of possessing special knowledge of Christ and a privileged status with him. But this claim is self-glorifying speech and is not worthy of a true disciple.) Last, on the basis of the context, in which Paul defends his apostleship, we suggest that the phrase he belongs to Christ embodies a direct attack on him and his calling. Paul implicitly reminds his readers that he had received authority from Christ to be his apostle to the Gentiles an office no one else could claim. Hence he tells the Corinthians to look at the obvious facts.��33�� Not the intruders but Paul has a claims to apostolic authority.) c.

Consideration. Let him consider this: that just as he belongs to Christ so do we, too. Paul is not questioning believers who put their faith in Jesus, but he offsets their claim to Christ by stating that he, too, confesses him as Lord. This is a subtle way of negating the assertions of those opponents who apparently questioned Paul s claim to apostolicity and divine authority. His calling and confirmation indeed were unique, for after his departure from this life the Lord did not extend Paul s apostleship to someone else. If these opponents acknowledge him as an apostle of Christ, then they should work together with him in the task of strengthening the church.) 8.

For even if I boast somewhat excessively about our authority that the Lord gave for your edification and not for your destruction, I will not be ashamed.) a. For even if I boast somewhat excessively about our authority that the Lord gave. This verse is closely linked to the preceding text (v. 7), as the word for indicates. Verse 7 refers to the confidence of Paul s opponents and suggests that this confidence led them to attack Paul s apostolic authority.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.31|AUTODETECT|” When Paul mentions boasting, he relates it directly to the Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.31|AUTODETECT|” 15:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.17|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.34.2|AUTODETECT|” ; compare ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.34.2|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 34:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.44.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.44.8|AUTODETECT|” 44:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.24|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 9:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Furthermore, Paul writes about the possibility of boasting excessively. He does not say that he customarily boasts (compare 11:16; 12:6). And he does not boast by comparing his work with that of others.��34�� Indeed, he devotes the last part of this chapter to boasting and its limits (vv. 12 18).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Why does Paul boast somewhat excessively, when at the beginning of this chapter he stresses the virtue of meekness? Note that he connects the two phrases somewhat excessively and authority that the Lord gave (see 13:10). Because of the authority that Jesus conferred on Paul, the apostle could unduly boast. He is saving, Let no one of my adversaries or anyone in the Corinthian church underestimate the delegated power I possess in Christ. His apostolic authority is for him a cause of boasting.��35��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.10|AUTODETECT|” The apostle uses the first person singular to make this fact known. This does not mean that he indulges in self-glorification because of his calling. Far from it! He remains completely subordinate to his Sender, who has endowed him with divine authority. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.10|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.16|AUTODETECT|” Christ s authority is so great that no one is able to thwart the power of his gospel. Every person who has been converted is a living testimony to the power of God s Word and Spirit.��36�� Paul has seen the effect of this divine authority in his life and he knows that behind him stands Christ himself. Anyone who resists Paul resists the Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.16|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Thus, the apostle is able to boast excessively about the authority he has received but which belongs to Jesus Christ. Ministers of the Word must apply this authority properly for the spiritual well-being of the church.��37��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.1|AUTODETECT|” b. That the Lord gave for your edification and not for your destruction. Jesus grants power never for personal use but always for the advancement of his cause. So Paul observes that his authority derives from the Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and that he uses it not for destroying the church but for edifying and strengthening it.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.1.10|AUTODETECT|” The expressions edification and destruction echo the words of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Jeremiah 1:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , when God tells the prophet that he appointed him over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant. ��38�� But the difference between Jeremiah and Paul is immense. God pronounced judgment on Jerusalem and Judea. He commanded the prophet to announce the destruction of the nation, city, and temple. Restoration came many years later with spiritual blessings culminating in the coming of the Messiah. Conversely, Paul preaches Christ s gospel and seeks not to destroy but to edify the believers (13:10). The apostle is planting churches in territory that Satan once ruled but now has ceded to Christ Jesus.

With the authority given to him, Paul goes forth triumphantly to extend God s kingdom. Although Satan continues to slow the march of the gospel, he is unable to stop it. The building process of the kingdom carries on to the end of time.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 The possibility is not remote that Paul s opponents have accused him of destroying the Corinthian church. True to form, Satan takes the evils that describe the adversaries of Paul and applies them to the apostle. But the good news of Jesus Christ) restores this broken creation,) rebuilds its ruined structures,) and reforms sinners into saints.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.7-48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” c. I will not be ashamed. Once again in this verse Paul writes the first person singular to express his involvement in the life of the Corinthians. He is confident that his boasting about the power that Christ has granted will not embarrass him or lead to public disgrace. Paul trusts that God will protect him from shame and confirm the work that he performs as an ambassador for Christ and as his apostle to the Gentiles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.7-48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:7 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 8 2 8 0 0 9. [I forbid you to think] that I appear to frighten you with my letters.) a. Stylistic problems. The Greek text unfortunately lacks precision in syntax. Translators are forced to modify the wording to convey the meaning of this sentence. A literal translation is that I may not seem as if to terrify you by letters. How does this text fit into the flow of Paul s discourse?

Is verse 9 a continuation of the preceding passage (v. 8) or does it introduce the next verse (v. 10)? Some scholars even suggest that verse 9 should be taken together with verse 11 and that verse 10 be seen as a parenthetical comment.) Ancient manuscripts lacked punctuation, so that editors have to decide where to place commas and periods. A helpful consideration is the fact that Paul s letters were read to the churches. Readers and listeners would understand the text in the sequence in which it was presented. This verse, then, is a follow-up of the preceding one, a fact that precludes a connection between verses 9 and 11.) Nonetheless, there is an undeniable break in the flow of Paul s discourse. But this break can be bridged if we assume the presence of a negative command, Do not think that.& ��39�� The apostle is not interested in embarrassing or frightening his readers.

In effect, he has told them that his task is not to destroy but to build.) b. Prelude. Paul s remark anticipates the charges of his adversaries who allege that his letters cause fear but his physical presence does not. In a sense, these charges were understandable. For some time Paul had been absent from the church in Corinth. He had sent his helpers, first Timothy and then Titus, to Corinth.

He had paid the Corinthians a short visit that was painful. His absence provided Paul s critics with ammunition. His letters were filled with directives and displayed Paul s apostolic authority. But they were addressed to the Corinthians from a distance, from Ephesus across the Aegean Sea.) Before the apostle addresses the charges of his opponents, he assures the Corinthians that he does not wish to intimidate them. He does not intend to frighten them with his epistles. However, when he eventually arrives in Corinth, he will show the intruders that he is a person to be feared.) 10.

Because it is said, His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical appearance is weak and his speech of no account. ) a. Because it is said. From either Titus or someone else who has come to Paul with information from Corinth, the apostle has heard of a rumor spreading throughout the congregation. Perhaps one of his opponents is the spokesman, as the wording in verse 7 and in verse 11 implies. Paul s foes seek out an apparent weak point and exploit it to their advantage.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.9|AUTODETECT|” b. His letters are weighty and powerful. This remark should not be interpreted as a compliment. His assailants are disparaging the apostle s work by insinuating that the letters Paul addressed to the Corinthians are heavy on teaching and forceful in rebuke. We surmise that the pejorative comment includes Paul s preliminary letter 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.27|AUTODETECT|” ), his first canonical epistle (I Cor.), and his sorrowful letter (2:4). We are unable to say whether his critics were familiar with earlier letters Paul had written to be read elsewhere 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.27|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.16|AUTODETECT|” ; compare also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.16|AUTODETECT|” Col. 4:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Epistles are permanent, can be read by anyone, and are open to various interpretations. They lack the inflection of the spoken word to which hearers can react either positively or negatively. An epistle is, so to speak, the man s words without the man; and such is human weakness, that they are often stronger than the man speaking in bodily presence, that is, than the man and his words together. ��40��) c. But his physical appearance is weak and his speech of no account. The contrast in this saying is pronounced: letters and physical appearance are metaphors, opposites that denote absence and presence. Also, the terms weighty and powerful are the converse of weak and no account.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.19-44.14.20|AUTODETECT|” The Greek text reads the presence of his body, but this is to be understood as neither Paul s physical arrival in Corinth nor his outward appearance.��41�� Instead, his opponents considered him to be a man without stamina or eloquence. They implied that from a distance he roars like a lion but when he is present he is meek as a lamb. This conclusion, however, is not true to fact. Consider Paul s dedication to his task of preaching and teaching Christ s gospel. He endured beatings from Romans and Jews (11:23 25); he nearly died when the mob stoned him outside the city of Lystra 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.19-44.14.20|AUTODETECT|” Acts 14:19 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.50-44.13.51|AUTODETECT|” ). He addressed synagogue audiences in many places, with the result that he was forced either to leave or to flee for his life 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.50-44.13.51|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:50 51) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.6|AUTODETECT|” 14:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.22-44.17.31|AUTODETECT|” ). He stood in the midst of Athenian philosophers at the Areopagus and tactfully acquainted these learned men with God s Revelation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.22-44.17.31|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:22 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.21|AUTODETECT|” ). In Ephesus he called both Jews and Gentiles to repentance and faith in Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.21|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He proved that he was a man of moral integrity and physical stamina.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.1|AUTODETECT|” Furthermore, the intruders attack on Paul touches not so much his personality as his apostolic office (see the commentary on v. 1). They intimate that he is not much of an apostle because he declines to give direct leadership. And they accuse him of being a second-rate speaker, a flaw that Paul frankly admits 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21|AUTODETECT|” ). But the words his speech is of no account can also suggest that the effect of his apostolic message makes no great impact (NAB), a cutting accusation. As Jesus ambassador he has been truthful in proclaiming the message of his Sender 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21|AUTODETECT|” John 20:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.15|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.15-44.26.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.15-44.26.18|AUTODETECT|” 26:15 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.2|AUTODETECT|” ). Throughout his ministry, he proves to be a worthy apostle of Jesus Christ, who faithfully preaches the gospel in season and out of season 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.2|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.17|AUTODETECT|” The readers should not forget that Paul steadfastly taught the churches everywhere and laid down rules for them 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.17|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 4:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.17|AUTODETECT|” 7:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He was an apostle to all the churches he had founded and exercised his authority over them.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.2-44.26.29|AUTODETECT|” In addition, no one should slight Paul s eloquence in addressing, for example, Governor Festus and King Agrippa 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.2-44.26.29|AUTODETECT|” Acts 26:2 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Indeed, God empowered him and blessed his ministry.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 Next, the apostle not only reproved his readers but also urged them to obey Christ. Even though he was physically far from them, he expressed his genuine love for them in numerous ways as if he were near. His task in Corinth was not to destroy but to build (v. 8); not to alienate people but to acquaint them with Christ; not to wield power but to demonstrate grace; not to come with force but to be gentle.) The critics of the apostle failed to understand the bond between the Corinthians and Paul, their spiritual father. And they failed to see that Paul s strength resided in his meekness.) 11. Let such a person consider this: what we say by means of letters while absent, we will also do when present.) Paul refrains from naming his opponent, whom he identifies as anyone and such a person. This person is the representative of the infiltrators in the Corinthian church.

And this spokesman circulated the rumor concerning Paul s inability to lead the church and preach the gospel. The apostle has a word for him: Let him take note that my letters are true to fact, whether I am absent now or will be present in the near future. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.21|AUTODETECT|” At the beginning of this chapter (v. 2), Paul wrote that he wished he would not have to be bold upon his arrival in Corinth. If his letter would bring about a change, he would not need to come with a whip 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.21|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 4:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But if there is no response to his admonitions, he will have to exercise discipline (12:20; 13:2, 10).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Also, the apostle is not addressing his opponents but the church in Corinth. He expects the Corinthians to heed his warnings, to oppose the influence of the intruders, and to welcome him into their midst.) ) Doctrinal Considerations in 10:8 11) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.13-42.6.16|AUTODETECT|” Jesus appointed twelve apostles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.13-42.6.16|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:13 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.23-44.1.26|AUTODETECT|” ), chose the successor of Judas Iscariot 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.23-44.1.26|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:23 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.4-44.9.6|AUTODETECT|” ), and called Paul to be the apostle to the Gentiles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.4-44.9.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:4 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.15-44.9.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.15-44.9.16|AUTODETECT|” 15 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.2|AUTODETECT|” ). He gave them authority to preach the gospel; he filled them with the Holy Spirit; and he endowed them with spiritual gifts to heal the sick, drive out demons, and raise the dead. He appointed no other apostle after the death of James, the son of Zebedee 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.12.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 12:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��42�� The New Testament indicates that the apostolic office came to an end with the death of the last apostle, presumably John.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The authority of the Word passed from the apostles to pastors and teachers in the churches. When they proclaim the gospel, they speak in the name of the Lord. They are ministers of the Word of God, ambassadors for Jesus Christ, and bearers of the Good News. Their task is to strengthen believers in the faith, to call sinners to repentance, to administer the sacraments, to oppose doctrine that is contrary to God s Word, and to exercise discipline.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.2-60.5.3|AUTODETECT|” Pastors can claim authority only when God has given it to them and when they live and work in obedience to his Word. If they fail to apply that Word to their own lives, their authority no longer derives from God. Consequently, when pastors exercise their own authority, the church suffers, diminishes in numbers and influence, and faces termination. Instead they must be shepherds and overseers of God s flock, not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to [them], but being examples to the flock 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.2-60.5.3|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:2 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Pastors must set the example of true obedience to the gospel of Christ and walk in the footsteps of Jesus, their Chief Shepherd. By magnifying Christ s name, they reinforce the spiritual authority they have received from him.) 1 19 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 10:7 11) Verses 7 8) �p ���p �������� literally, the things before your face, which means that which is obvious.) �� �� ��� the enclitic should be taken with �� and not with ���, for even if. ) %� the relative pronoun is a genitive by attraction to the preceding noun and serves as a direct object of the verb ����� (he gave).) Verses 9 10) a� � ������� the present infinitive is intensive and occurs only here in the New Testament. The particle � signals possibility and hesitancy.) ����� this is the singular , but Codex Vaticanus and some Latin and Syriac translations have the plural ����� (they say). The singular is indefinite in the sense of it is said, they say, or some say. ��43��) ) 2. Boasting and Limits) 10:12 18) 12 For we do not dare to count ourselves among or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But because they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they fail to understand. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond limits, but we boast according to the measure of the sphere that God has assigned to us and that reaches even you. 14 For not as though by not reaching out to you we overextended ourselves, for we came even as far as you with the gospel of Christ. 15 We do not boast beyond limits in the labors performed by others. But we hope that, as your faith increases, our sphere of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 16 so that we may preach the gospel in regions beyond you.

We do not boast of work that is done in someone else s sphere. 17 Let him 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.) ) In the first part of this chapter, Paul defends his ministry in Corinth against attacks from his opponents. In the chapter s last segment, he sets the standards for the ministry to which God has called him. He delineates the difference between himself and the false teachers. With a number of clauses in the negative seven times a negative particle appears in Greek he defines the limits of boasting about his mission work. He receives his approval and commendation from the Lord.) 12. For we do not dare to count ourselves among or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves.

But because they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they fail to understand.) a. Negative. For we do not dare to count ourselves among or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. The first word in this sentence hardly connects with the immediately preceding verse (v. 11). Perhaps Paul had interrupted his discourse and now begins with a new perspective on his defense.) Paul continues to address the congregation at Corinth and obliquely notes the presence of the intruders. The use of the verb to dare makes the irony in this sentence obvious.

No one can miss Paul s intention of ridiculing his opponents. The apostle sarcastically places them on a level he himself will never be able to reach. Extending his irony a little later, he calls these people superapostles (11:5).) With a play on Greek words enkrinai and synkrinai, which we can approximate with the translation count ourselves among and compare ourselves with, ��44�� Paul continues to deride his opponents. He dares not call them his peers (compare 11:21), for they surpass him in their ease of speaking and their use of power. He portrays them as eminent leaders whom the Lord should be pleased to have in his church. He himself does not presume to be worthy of their company, in view of the low ratings they have given him (v. 10).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.1|AUTODETECT|” The impostors have come to Corinth with letters of commendations that their close friends had written for them. These documents lack authenticity. Paul is not interested in repeating what he said earlier in his epistle (see the commentary on 3:1 and 5:12). As an apostle, he was sent not from men nor by man 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but he was called and commissioned by Jesus Christ. More, the churches he had founded were his living letters of recommendation (3:2 3). The intruders, however, lacked divine authority and did not have the compliments of caring churches.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 The word some is an indication that the invaders are few in number. Nevertheless, their continued presence in Corinth warps the spiritual development of the church as they gain followers among those who are like-minded. Calvin comments that people who commend themselves are starving for true praise & and falsely give themselves out to be what they are not. ��45��) b. Flawed comparison. But because they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they fail to understand. The repetition of the expression themselves clues the reader that something is wrong.

The verbs are in the present tense and indicate that the interlopers continually measure and compare themselves with themselves. They do so without objective standards: complete obedience to God s Word, a definitive call to serve God in a given area, and a commitment to endure hardship in advancing the cause of Christ s gospel. When the restraints of objective standards are removed, society yields to immorality. Where there is less virtue, there will be more vice; and more vice inevitably leads to the destruction of society and the loss of freedom. ��46��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.23|AUTODETECT|” I have given the last part of this verse a causal connotation. This means that the intruders failure to apply objective standards makes them fools compared with true followers of Christ. These people fail because they rely on their own understanding. They are indescribably dense by not seeing the power of God at work in the spread of the gospel. And they refuse to accept Paul as Christ s representative who proclaims Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 13. We, however, will not boast beyond limits, but we boast according to the measure of the sphere that God has assigned to us and that reaches even you.) a. We, however, will not boast beyond limits. The comparison with the adversaries is pronounced. The Greek word Paul uses is ametra, which means that which cannot be measured. He tells the readers that he will not boast to levels that no one can measure, even though his antagonists do so.

These assailants are not guided by any objective standards; their boasting centers on themselves. They measure themselves by a standard that is invalid.��47�� Paul, however, employs the standard that God has given him in his divine revelation: to boast only in the Lord.) The future tense does not mean that sometime in the future Paul is willing not to boast. Rather, Paul is saying that he does not permit that this will ever happen.��48��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.7-48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” b. But we boast according to the measure of the sphere that God has assigned to us. The apostle is a true ambassador sent to an assigned area over which he has complete authority. He glories in the territory that God has apportioned to him, which includes Corinth as the farthest point on his missionary journeys. The pillars of the church (Peter, James, and John) saw that God had sent Paul to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and Peter to the Jews 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.7-48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:7 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.16|AUTODETECT|” I have translated the Greek word canMn as sphere. The primary rendering of this word is measuring stick, rule, or regulation.��49�� This is Paul s intent in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.16|AUTODETECT|” Galatians 6:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , where he writes: Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. But a secondary interpretation is the sphere in which a rule is observed. Paul s choice of this term reflects a combination of both the meanings rule and sphere in language that he has borrowed from public service.��50��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.20|AUTODETECT|” God gave the apostle a measured area in which he had to work, so Paul can boast about the church in Corinth as he does elsewhere in this epistle (7:4, 11, 14). He expresses his care not to have entered a sphere of activity that was not assigned to him and not to build on someone else s foundation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Conclusively, if the intruders enter Paul s field of labor, they are trespassers held accountable to God. Theirs is not to invade someone s God-ordained area of spiritual work, but to stay away.) Also, Paul had been faithful in his work among the Corinthians with visits, letters, and capable co-workers (Timothy, Silas, Apollos, and Titus). No one in Corinth would ever be able to accuse Paul of neglecting his pastoral duties.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.9-44.18.10|AUTODETECT|” c. And that reaches even you. Paul s standard was to bring the gospel of salvation to the Corinthians and to set them free from the slavery of sin. He lived by the rule the Lord had given him in a vision: Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent & because I have many people in this city 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.9-44.18.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:9 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 14. For not as though by not reaching out to you we overextended ourselves, for we came even as far as you with the gospel of Christ.) This verse is to be understood not as an explanation of the preceding passage (v. 13) but as its continuation. Indeed, editors of the Greek text present verses 14 16 as one lengthy sentence; because Paul dictated it and became involved in his thought, the sentence has become longer than expected.��51��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.6-44.16.7|AUTODETECT|” In this verse, the emphasis falls on the verb to overextend, to which everything else is subordinate. Paul was guided by the Holy Spirit on his missionary journeys and did not leave a field of work unless he was led to another place 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.6-44.16.7|AUTODETECT|” Acts 16:6 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.22|AUTODETECT|” 20:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The apostle did not go beyond the boundaries that God through his Spirit had made known to him.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.24|AUTODETECT|” The Corinthians have to realize that Paul has a personal interest in them, is on his way to Corinth, and in the near future hopes to see them. As yet God has not informed him about any additional mission fields, for only after he arrived in Corinth did Paul mention Spain 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.19|AUTODETECT|” ). And from Macedonia, he seemed to have traveled to Illyricum (modern Albania [) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ]).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Paul makes it known that his work for the present is among the Corinthians, whom he expects he will soon see. The fact that he is reaching out to them should be proof that Corinth is not outside the limits of his field of labor.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Although the apostle avoids boasting, his readers understand that he was the first to teach them Christ s gospel. He planted the seed, then his associates nourished the people spiritually, and consequently God gave the increase 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.6|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Paul reached the Corinthians with the Good News and thus has reason to glory in the Lord because of God s surpassing grace (9:14).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 15. We do not boast beyond limits in the labors performed by others. But we hope that, as your faith increases, our sphere of influence among you may be greatly enlarged.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.1|AUTODETECT|” a. We do not boast beyond limits in the labors performed by others. The repetition of verse 13 in the first line is evident, and its reiteration refers directly to the interlopers in Corinth. They are the people who seek to harvest the fruits of Paul s labors and then accuse him of having no interest in the local church. Hardened sinners, these people are in Corinth without any God-given commendation. They do not enter by the gate but climb in over the wall; they are thieves and robbers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.1|AUTODETECT|” John 10:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The apostle states emphatically that he does not seek glory for himself from the labors of others. He has in mind not manual work to maintain himself and others but the work of teaching and preaching Christ s gospel. The Greek word kopos (work) in Paul s epistles describes missionary labor,��52�� which is here in the plural to indicate multifaceted mission work.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.21|AUTODETECT|” Paul would rather go to regions where people have not yet heard the gospel than to enter territories where others are working. Writing to the Romans, he tells them that he hopes to visit them while passing through on his way to Spain 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.21|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But he does not intend to make Rome or Italy his mission field.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Even though both Paul and Peter brought the gospel to Jews and Greeks and Peter apparently visited Corinth they did not work at cross-purposes 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.12|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.22|AUTODETECT|” 3:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.5|AUTODETECT|” 9:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ).��53�� Indeed, Paul voiced no objections if someone wanted to build on the foundation he had laid 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.10|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But he denounces the practices of the false teachers who assert that everything the Corinthians have learned has been the result of their labors.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 b. But we hope that, as your faith increases, our sphere of influence among you may be greatly enlarged. The Greek text of this sentence is complex and incomplete because it lacks a subject for the verb to be enlarged. Literally the text says, and having hope, while your faith is increasing, to be enlarged among you according to our rule [sphere] superabundantly. The implied subject is Paul s work among the Corinthians. So he hopes that his missionary labor relating to the rule (his sphere of influence) may be greatly enlarged.) Paul is saying to the Corinthians: Increase your faith, advance beyond the initial development of the church, and enlarge our sphere of influence.

He hopes that the faith of the Corinthians will be so strong that they send missionaries to areas where the gospel has not yet been preached. But his vision can become reality only when unity, harmony, and dedication show the effectiveness of his teaching. As Paul s influence continues to increase among the Corinthians and their faith becomes strong, the influence of the intruders will end.) 16. So that we may preach the gospel in regions beyond you. We do not boast of work that is done in someone else s sphere.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.2|AUTODETECT|” Directed by the Holy Spirit, the church in Syrian Antioch commissioned Barnabas and Paul to proclaim the gospel to the world and organize churches 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The Spirit sent Paul and his associates to both Jews and Gentiles. Many who heard the Word believed, were baptized, and formed congregations, among which was the church of Corinth.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.8-44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Now Paul is telling the Corinthians that as their faith increases, they must become a mission-minded church. They should send missionaries, including Paul and his co-workers, to regions that lie beyond Corinth. The apostle is a man of vision: he brought the gospel to many cities in the Mediterranean world, opened a training school in Ephesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.8-44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:8 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ), and wanted to extend the church to the ends of the world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��54��) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The work of a missionary is to proclaim the gospel to the world, and this is exactly what Paul did. Spending time in Macedonia, he mentioned the words in regions beyond you to the people of Corinth. Paul reasoned from the geographical perspective of his readers. He looked westward to Italy and Spain. Should the Spirit send him there, he would need prayerful support from the Corinthian church to preach in regions unknown to him. With this support, his preaching would not be in vain.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.10|AUTODETECT|” The second half of this verse repeats the wording in verse 15a, We do not boast beyond limits in the labors performed by others. The repetition serves to summarize what Paul has been saying in this paragraph. He realizes that visitors from Rome 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.24|AUTODETECT|” ) later founded a church in the imperial city. The work in Rome has been completed by someone else. By visiting the church there, Paul cannot claim any credit. Instead, he plans to travel further, to Spain. On the way he hopes to see the Christians in Rome who may assist him on his journey westward 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 17. Let him 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.) a. To boast. Paul is coming to the end of this part of his discourse in which he has discussed boasting and its limits. He now presents a general principle that he has scrupulously applied to himself. His boasting is in the Lord, for whom he waits to commend him.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.24|AUTODETECT|” As he does in numerous other places in his epistles, the apostle supports his teachings with references to and quotations from the Old Testament Scriptures. Here he quotes freely from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.24|AUTODETECT|” Jeremiah 9:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.31|AUTODETECT|” a, But let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord. Paul presents a one-line summary of this verse, which he had quoted earlier 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ): Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.14|AUTODETECT|” In Paul s teaching everything is directed toward the Lord. He does not distinguish between the title Lord in the Old Testament and the appellation Lord for Jesus in the New Testament. He depends not on himself but on his Savior to whom he ascribes glory and honor. Thus Paul writes elsewhere, May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.14|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 With his reliance on the Lord, Paul effectively defines the difference between himself and his opponents. He wants no glory for himself but devotes everything to Jesus, while his adversaries want everything for themselves and present commendations that are void of divine approval.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.27.2|AUTODETECT|” b. To commend. The intruders should have consulted Solomon s writing, Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.27.2|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 27:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Instead they rate one another by their own standards and not by God s Word. They praise themselves and are not sent by God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.10-42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” If there is anything that God detests, it is self-commendation. Jesus teaches the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector to delineate the difference between arrogance and utter dependence on God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.10-42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:10 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God turns the self-exultation of the Pharisee into debasement but the humility of the tax collector into exhilaration. The social outcast went home justified.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.127.1|AUTODETECT|” Throughout this epistle, Paul has made it known repeatedly that he has no need of self-promotion. He distances himself from his antagonists who trumpet their own commendations and brag about their own achievements. Devoid of divine approval, they fail to receive God s blessings. Indeed, the words of the psalmist apply to them: Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.127.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 127:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 43 2 8 0 0 Paul is saying to the Corinthians that only when God ordains people to work for him can there be praise and thanksgiving. The readers of this epistle should look at the results of Paul s ministry in Corinth and elsewhere. They should note that the apostle was sent by God and blessed by him. However, Paul does not glory in his accomplishments; he received his talents, tact, wisdom, insight, and strength from the Lord. To him he ascribes honor and glory. Thus, he boasts in the Lord and in him alone.) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 10:12 18) Verses 12 13) Assonance in two verbs ������� (to classify) and ��������� (to compare) is a deliberate play on words to express irony.) �P��� this personal pronoun refers to Paul s opponents and not to Paul.

Some manuscripts of the Western text (D* G, itd,g,ar, and others) omit the words �P ��������. !���� �� (are without understanding. We, however). Then verses 12 and 13 refer to Paul and do not contrast the opponents (v. 12) and Paul (v. 13). Many scholars (Bultmann, Lietzmann, H�ring, Georgi, Windisch, and the Greek Grammar of Blass, Debrunner, and Funk) and at least one translator (Moffatt) have adopted the shorter reading.) Numerous scholars, editors of the Greek New Testament, and the overwhelming majority of translators adopt the longer reading. They point out that the pronoun �P��� introduces a new subject that refers to Paul s opponents and not to Paul himself. Also, the better manuscripts support the longer reading.

Next, it is easier to explain the omission of the intervening words than their insertion.��55�� And last, why would Paul want to compare himself with himself when he is critical of such vaunting (see especially v. 18)?��56�� Therefore, the longer reading is preferred.) �0� �p ����� the preposition signifies with. The definite article in the neuter plural points to things. These two verses reveal a recurrence of the root ����- (measure) in the form of participle, adjective, and noun.) �W the relative pronoun relates to the genitive case not of ��� ������� but ������, which Paul supplies for clarification.) Verses 14 15) �P & Q������������� the particle negates the verb which, as a compound, is directive: we do not reach beyond [the limit]. ) a� �� the negative �� controls the participle �����������, which is the present middle and denotes concession: as though not reaching. ) � �� �P������� ��� ������� in the interest of Christ s gospel. The genitive is both objective and subjective, for and of Christ. ) The first two participles ���������� (boasting) and ������ (having) serve as finite verbs: we boast and we have.) Verse 16) Q��������� this is a compound from the preposition Q��� (beyond) and the pronoun ����� (those). This adverb occurs only here in Greek literature.) �p ����� the neuter plural adjective connotes a field that has already been cultivated. ��57��) Summary of Chapter 10) In Paul s absence, his opponents accuse him of timidity when he is present in Corinth but of writing harsh letters from a distance. They portray him as a barking dog that never bites.

With their accusations they seek to undercut his ministry and question his apostolic authority. The apostle states that he does not live by worldly standards. He has been endowed with power to subdue those who have decided to follow the opponents.) Paul writes that he fights with weapons that have divine power. He is engaged in a spiritual warfare and thus destroys the worldly arguments and pretexts that have been raised against God. Paul and his associates are ready to tear down everything that is in opposition to Christ and to make every thought captive to the Lord.) If the opponents state that they belong to Christ, then the Corinthians should understand that Paul also belongs to him. Unlike the intruders, the apostle uses his God-given authority to edify the believers.

In the church, Paul is not a destroyer but a builder. His design is not to frighten his readers but to encourage them. He wants them to understand that he opposes the false apostles who demean him as a person by saying that his physical appearance is puny and his oratory poor. Whatever Paul wrote in his letters will be enacted when he appears in Corinth to oppose his adversaries.) Paul knows that God has commissioned him and assigned to him a field of labor that includes Corinth. He was the apostle who brought them the gospel of salvation. The difference between him and the false apostles is that he works in the areas that God has specified.

These infiltrators enter regions where someone else has been working; they seek to reap glory from the work performed by others.) The Corinthians need to grow in faith so that they can become a church that commissions, sends, and supports missionaries to other regions. The glory of this work is not for themselves but for the Lord. Paul concludes the chapter by saying that only the person who is commissioned by the Lord to go forth as a missionary receives God s approval.) ) ) ) ) 1 A. T. Robertson, A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 407.) 2 Ernest B. Allo (Saint Paul Seconde �p�tre aux Corinthiens, 2d ed. [Paris: Gabalda, 1956], p. 240) is correct in noting links between chapters 1 7 and 10 13.

But he overstates their number by saying that one can hardly count the number of correlations. Their number is limited to only a few more than a dozen allusions. See also Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, Paul s Second Epistle to the Corinthians: The English Text with Introduction, Exposition and Notes, New International Commentary on the New Testament series (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1962), p. 343.) 3 James Denney, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, 2d ed., The Expositor s Bible series (New York: Armstrong, 1900), p. 290.) 4 Frances Young and David F. Ford, Meaning and Truth in II Corinthians, BFT (London: SPCK, 1987), pp. 43 44.) 5 F. W. Grosheide, De Tweede Brief van den Apostel Paulus aan de Kerk te Korinthe, Kommentaar op het Nieuwe Testament series (Amsterdam: Van Bottenburg, 1939), pp. 336 38.) 6 D.

A. Carson, From Triumphalism to Maturity (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984), p. 32.) NASB New American Standard Bible) 7 Hans Windisch, Der Zweite Korintherbrief, ed. Georg Strecker (1924; reprint ed., G�ttingen: Vandenhoeck und Ruprecht, 1970), p. 290.) 8 Ragnar Leivestad, The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ II Cor. X.1, NTS 12 (1966): 159.) 9 F. J. Pop, De Tweede Brief van Paulus aan de Corinthi�rs (Nijkerk: Callenbach, 1980), p. 279.) 10 Compare Ragnar Leivestad, �������� �����������, NovT 8 (1966): 45; Walter Grundmann, TDNT, 8:19.) 11 Heinz Giesen, EDNT, 3:333.) 12 Consult R.

C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Paul s First and Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Columbus: Wartburg, 1946), p. 1192.) 13 Hughes, Second Epistle to the Corinthians, p. 348. Allo (Seconde �p�tre aux Corinthiens, p. 218) calls attention to 3:1; 5:12; 11:21.) 14 John Motyer, NIDNTT, 1:365. Jean H�ring says that the words from �� ���������� to ��������� seem superfluous.

To his surprise no exegete has been bold enough to omit them (see The Second Epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, trans. A. W. Heathcote and P. J. Allcock [London: Epworth, 1967], pp. 69 70).

One is reminded of Martin Luther s dictum, Man soll das Wort stehen lassen (Let the word stand as is).) 15 Compare Adolf Schlatter, Paulus, der Bote Jesu: Eine Deutung an die Korinther (Stuttgart: Calwer, 1934), p. 614.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.4|AUTODETECT|” 16 The expression to live according to the sinful nature appears often in Paul s epistles: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.2|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 25 2 8 0 0 NKJV New King James Version) NRSV New Revised Standard Version) 17 Bauer, p. 744.) 18 Alexander Sand, EDNT, 3:231.) 19 John Calvin, The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians and the Epistles to Timothy, Titus and Philemon, Calvin s Commentaries series, trans. T. A. Small (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964), p. 129.) 20 Refer to Abraham J. Malherbe, Antisthenes and Odysseus, and Paul at War, HTR 76 (1983): 143 73.) 21 Windisch, Der Zweite Korintherbrief, p. 297.) 22 Consult Victor Paul Furnish, II Corinthians: Translated with Introduction, Notes and Commentary, Anchor Bible 32A (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1984), p. 463; C. K.

Barrett, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Harper s New Testament Commentaries series (New York: Harper and Row, 1973), p. 253.) 23 Grosheide (p. 350) and Pop (p. 295) in their respective commentaries.) 24 Colin G. Kruse, The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries series (Leicester: Inter-Varsity; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987), p. 175; Furnish, II Corinthians, p. 464.) 25 C. F. D. Moule, An Idiom-Book of New Testament Greek, 2d ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1960), p. 58.) 26 Friedrich Blass and Albert Debrunner, A Greek Grammar of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, trans. and rev. Robert Funk (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1961), #488.1b.) 27 Moule, Idiom-Book, p. 59.) 28 J.

H. Moulton and Wilbert F. Howard, A Grammar of New Testament Greek, vol. 2, Accidence and Word-Formation (Edinburgh: Clark, 1929), p. 443.) 29 Hughes, Second Epistle to the Corinthians, p. 351 n. 6.) 30 J. H. Moulton and Nigel A. Turner, A Grammar of the Greek New Testament (Edinburgh: Clark, 1965), vol. 3, Syntax, p. 343.) NIV New International Version) KJV King James Version (= Authorized Version)) 31 Among others, see the commentary of H�ring, p. 72; compare also Dieter Georgi, The Opponents of Paul in Second Corinthians (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1986), pp. 230, 273, 307 n. 264.) 32 C.

K. Barrett, Cephas and Corinth, in Essays on Paul (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1982), p. 35.) 33 See the respective commentaries of Windisch, p. 301; Martin, p. 308; Hughes, pp. 356 58; Kruse, p. 176.) 34 Rudolf Bultmann, TDNT, 3:651.) 35 The verb to boast appears twenty times in this epistle, seventeen of them in chapters 10, 11, and 12. The noun boast occurs nine times in II Corinthians.) 36 Consult Pop, De Tweede Brief van Paulus, p. 300.) 37 Compare Calvin, II Corinthians, p. 133.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.1.10|AUTODETECT|” 38 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 1:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.24.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.24.6|AUTODETECT|” 24:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.28|AUTODETECT|” 31:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.42.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.42.10|AUTODETECT|” 42:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.45.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.45.4|AUTODETECT|” 45:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Consult the commentaries of Furnish, p. 467; Hughes, pp. 360 61; Pop, p. 300; and Windisch, p. 303.) 1 11 2 8 0 0 39 The NJB connects verses 8c and 9 as follows: And I am not going to be shamed into letting you think that I can put fear into you only by letter. Inclusion of the adverb only is not needed. Consult Ralph P. Martin, II Corinthians, Word Biblical Commentary 40 (Waco: Word, 1986), pp. 310 11; Moule, Idiom-Book, pp. 144 45.) 40 Denney, Second Corinthians, p. 306.) 41 An apocryphal account describes his physical features: A man small of stature, with a bald head and crooked legs, in a good state of the body, with eyebrows meeting and nose somewhat hooked, full of friendliness. See The Acts of Paul and Thecla 3.3, in Edgar Hennecke, New Testament Apocrypha, ed. Wilhelm Schneemelcher, trans.

R. McL. Wilson, 2 vols. (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1963 64), vol. 2, p. 354.) NAB New American Bible) 42 Herman N. Ridderbos (Paul: An Outline of His Theology, trans. John Richard de Witt [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1975], p. 449) states, Through this special position with respect to Christ as well as to the church, the apostolate according to its nature is unrepeatable and untransferable. ) 43 Compare Moule, Idiom-Book, p. 29; Blass and Debrunner, Greek Grammar, #130.3.) 44 With thanks to the translators of the MLB.) 45 Calvin, II Corinthians, p. 135.) 46 Carson, From Triumphalism to Maturity, p. 74.) 47 Compare Moule, Idiom-Book, p. 71; Robert Hanna, A Grammatical Aid to the Greek New Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983), p. 329.) 48 The tense is the volitive future. Consult Robertson, Grammar, p. 874.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.0|AUTODETECT|” 49 JB has yardstick and NJB standard. See also I Clem. 1.3; 7.2; 41.1; Josephus Antiquities 10.49; Apion 2.174. See Arthur J. Dewey, A Matter of Honor: A Social-Historical Analysis of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.0|AUTODETECT|” II Corinthians 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , HTR 78 (1985): 209 17.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.13-47.10.16|AUTODETECT|” 50 Consult James F. Strange, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.13-47.10.16|AUTODETECT|” II Corinthians 10:13 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 Illuminated by a Recently Published Inscription, BibArch 46 (1983): 167 68. See also C. K. Barrett, Christianity at Corinth, in Essays on Paul (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1982), pp. 18 19.) 1 8 2 8 0 0 51 Refer to Alfred Plummer, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians, International Critical Commentary (1915; Edinburgh: Clark, 1975), p. 289.) 52 Consult Herbert Fendrich, EDNT, 2:307.) 53 Compare Barrett, Cephas and Corinth, pp. 35 36.) 54 Clement of Rome (I Clem. 5.6 7) writes: [Paul] was a herald both in the East and in the West, he gained the noble fame of his faith, he taught righteousness to all the world, and when he had reached the limits of the West he gave his testimony before the rulers, and thus passed from the world. ) Moffatt The Bible: A New Translation, James Moffatt) 55 Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament (Stuttgart and New York: United Bible Societies, 1994), p. 514.) 56 See Furnish, II Corinthians, pp. 470 71; K�mmel, Anhang, in Lietzmann, Korinther, pp. 208 9.) 57 Walter Radl, EDNT, 2:68.)