2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10:1

For our rejoicing is this. Rather, as in the Revised Version, “our glorying”. He could boast that in his conduct everywhere, and at Corinth as well, he had acted with purity of purpose, integrity, and under the guidance of God. He appeals to his singleness of purpose, because a charge had been made against him, which he answers below (2 Corinthians 1:15-19).

2 Corinthians 10:2

For we write none other things unto you. The charge seems to have been that he was ambiguous in what he wrote (2 Corinthians 1:17). Hence he insists that he writes plainly, and that they read, understand, and accept what he writes.

2 Corinthians 10:3

As also ye have acknowledged us in part. All but a faction acknowledged him as an apostle and rejoiced in his labors.

2 Corinthians 10:4

In this confidence. Of their acknowledgment of his apostleship and rejoicing in him. I was minded to come unto you before. Before going to Macedonia, sailing straight across from Ephesus to Corinth. That ye might have a second benefit. Two visits, one as Paul went to Macedonia, and one on his return. All this is explained in 2 Corinthians 1:16.

2 Corinthians 10:6

When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? Some of his detractors at Corinth had urged from his change of plans that he was fickle, or that he made ambiguous promises, and was ready to break them. His original plan was probably conveyed in the letter which has not come down to us (1 Corinthians 5:9). He declared his change of plans in 1 Corinthians 16:5. Do I purpose according to the flesh? In a carnal way. That with me there be yea, yea, and nay, nay? So that there should be a readiness to turn a “yea” into a “nay”; that is, no fixed purpose to do as promised.

2 Corinthians 10:7

Our word toward you was not yea and nay. That is, ambiguous and unreliable.

2 Corinthians 10:8

For the Son of God . . . was not yea and nay. The idea is that there was no vacillation and uncertainty about Paul’s preaching when he was in Corinth. But in him was yea. There was positive affirmation.

2 Corinthians 10:9

For all the promises of God in him [are] yea. They are sure and positive.

2 Corinthians 10:10

Now he that stablisheth us with you in Christ. He gives us our stability so that our gospel is yea, sure and steadfast. And hath anointed us. With the unction of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20,27).

2 Corinthians 10:11

Sealed us. The seal was anciently the mark of ownership. In Ephesians 1:13 4:30, it is said that the saints are sealed by the Holy Spirit. They are thus marked as Christ’s. So here the sealing is by the “earnest of the Spirit”.

2 Corinthians 10:12

To spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. He delayed coming in order to give time for his First Epistle to have effect and bring repentance. Had he come before they repented, his coming must have been in severity.

2 Corinthians 10:13

Not for that we have dominion over your faith. Not that he would exercise a lordship. How different this is from the arrogant style of a Catholic bishop! But are helpers of your joy. Paul wishes rather to be a helper. For by faith ye stand. Faith in Christ. He hath dominion. Every disciple is accountable to him. Not even an apostle can come between.

2 Corinthians 10:15

The Two Covenants Compared SUMMARY OF II CORINTHIANS 2: Paul’s Letter of Commendation. The New Covenant and the Covenant of the Letter; or the Law and. the Gospel. The First Written on Tables of Stone; Is a Ministration of. Death; Was Glorious, but Now Done Away With. That Which Remaineth, The New Covenant, Far More Glorious. The Veil Over the Face of Moses a Type of the Blindness of. Israel. The Transforming Power of the Gospel. That I would not come again to you in heaviness. “With sorrow” (Revised Version). See 2 Corinthians 1:23. He desired not to come to rebuke, but to rejoice with them. This verse seems to point to a time when he had come in “heaviness”. It is generally admitted now by commentators that he did make such a visit, probably while preaching at Ephesus, running across the sea, a voyage of two or three days, for a short visit. This visit seems to be proved by 2 Corinthians 12:14,21 13:1. See Conybeare and Howson, Vol. II, p. 27.

2 Corinthians 10:16

For if I make you sorry, etc. The thought is, your sorrow, because rebuked, gladdens me on account of your repentance.

2 Corinthians 10:17

I wrote this same unto you. What he had written concerning the delay of his coming (1 Corinthians 16:5). Having confidence in you all. He delayed, having confidence that they would reform, so that all could rejoice together.

2 Corinthians 10:18

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you. The First Epistle, which rebuked their divisions and immorality. He wrote sharply, but in great sorrow, not to grieve them, but to demonstrate his love by his assiduous care of them and rebuke of their sins.