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2 Corinthians 10 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter marks a shift in tone as Paul defends his ministry against his critics in Corinth. He addresses accusations of weakness and hypocrisy, asserting his authority as an apostle of Christ.

Key Points:

  • Paul's Approach (10:1-6): He begins by appealing to the "gentleness and kindness of Christ," contrasting his own demeanor with the perception of harshness when absent. He warns against equating his gentleness with weakness, emphasizing his readiness to "punish every disobedience" once their obedience is complete.
  • Spiritual Warfare (10:3-6): Paul uses the metaphor of warfare to describe his ministry. He clarifies that the weapons of his warfare are not earthly but divinely powerful for destroying strongholds – arguments and pretensions that oppose the knowledge of God. He aims to take every thought captive to obey Christ.
  • Authority and Obedience (10:7-12): Paul challenges those who boast in outward appearances and question his authority. He reminds them that he is an apostle appointed by Christ, not self-commissioned. He warns against judging his effectiveness based on geographical limitations, emphasizing that his authority extends to them.
  • Boasting in the Lord (10:13-18): Paul criticizes those who boast beyond their measure, intruding into other people's spheres of work. He contrasts this with his own approach, boasting only in what God has done through him within the sphere God assigned him, which includes Corinth. He concludes by stating that true commendation comes from God, not from self-promotion.

Overall Message:

Chapter 10 serves as a strong defense of Paul's apostolic authority and a call for the Corinthians to recognize the true nature of spiritual leadership. He emphasizes that his authority comes from Christ and is exercised through spiritual weapons to bring about obedience to God. He warns against judging by outward appearances and encourages boasting only in the Lord's work.

2 Corinthians 10 bible study ai commentary

Paul's defense of his ministry against false teachers judging by worldly standards is the core theme of this chapter. He sharply contrasts the world's methods of power, appearance, and self-promotion with the spiritual reality of God's power, which operates through humility and is aimed at building up the church. The central conflict is between evaluation by the "flesh" (outward appearance, human wisdom) and evaluation by the Spirit (divine power, faithfulness to Christ).

2 Corinthians 10 Context

Paul writes to the church in Corinth, a major Greco-Roman city known for its intellectual pride, rhetorical flourish, and worldly values. He confronts influential opponents, often called "super-apostles," who have infiltrated the church. These teachers likely impressed the Corinthians with charismatic speech and a commanding presence, while belittling Paul for his perceived weakness in person and his plain speaking style. This chapter marks a significant tonal shift in the letter, where Paul moves from reconciliation to a robust, sometimes sarcastic, defense of his God-given authority and the gospel he preaches. He must tear down the false criteria the Corinthians have adopted to judge spiritual leadership.


2 Corinthians 10:1

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!

In-depth-analysis

  • "I, Paul, myself...": An emphatic construction in Greek (Autos de egĹŤ Paulos), highlighting his personal and direct appeal. It sets a formal, serious tone.
  • "meekness (prautÄ“s) and gentleness (epieikeia) of Christ": He grounds his appeal not in his own authority, but in the very character of Christ.
    • PrautÄ“s: A humble, gentle strength; power under control, not weakness.
    • Epieikeia: Magnanimity, fairness, reasonableness; the opposite of rigid legalism.
  • The Accusation: He directly quotes or paraphrases his opponents' charge against him: he is timid and "humble" (tapeinos) in person but a tough-talker in his letters. He owns the label but will redefine it.

Bible references

  • Matthew 11:29: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle (praus) and lowly in heart..." (Paul models the character of Christ).
  • Numbers 12:3: "Now the man Moses was very meek (praus), more than all people who were on the face of the earth." (Parallels Moses, another leader whose meekness was not weakness).
  • Philippians 2:8: "...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Christ is the ultimate model of humility as strength).

Cross references

1 Cor 2:3 (Paul's weakness in Corinth), 2 Cor 13:3 (proves Christ speaks in him), Phil 4:5 (let gentleness be known), Isa 42:2-3 (prophecy of Christ's gentle nature).


2 Corinthians 10:2

I beg you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.

In-depth-analysis

  • A Warning: Paul's plea is also a stern warning. He prefers to come in gentleness, but he will be "bold" (tharrÄ“sai) and act with "confidence" if necessary.
  • "Against some": He isolates the problem to a specific faction, his opponents, separating them from the broader church he hopes to win back.
  • "Walking according to the flesh (kata sarka)": This is the core accusation against him, likely meaning he acts with human motives, weakness, and flawed strategies. Paul will turn this accusation on its head, showing his opponents are the ones who truly operate by fleshly standards.

Bible references

  • Romans 8:4: "...who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." (A central theme in Paul's theology).
  • 1 Corinthians 4:21: "What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?" (A similar ultimatum showing his authority).
  • Galatians 5:16: "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (The flesh-spirit contrast).

Cross references

2 Cor 1:17 (denies acting in the flesh), 2 Cor 13:10 (authority for building, not tearing down), Rom 8:12-13 (obligation not to the flesh), Eph 6:13 (stand firm against evil).


2 Corinthians 10:3-4

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

In-depth-analysis

  • Crucial Distinction: Paul agrees he "walks in the flesh" (en sarki), meaning he is a mortal human being. But he denies he "wages war according to the flesh" (kata sarka), meaning he doesn't use human methods or rely on human strength.
  • Spiritual Warfare Metaphor: Ministry is portrayed as a siege. This would resonate in a world familiar with Roman military campaigns.
  • "Weapons" (hopla): His weapons are not rhetoric, status, or intimidation (the weapons of his opponents).
  • "Divine power" (dynata tĹŤ TheĹŤ): They are powerful to God or powerful from God. Their source and effectiveness are entirely divine.
  • "Strongholds" (ochyrĹŤma): These are spiritual fortresses, deeply entrenched patterns of rebellious thought, arguments, and pride that resist God.

Bible references

  • Ephesians 6:11-12: "Put on the whole armor of God... For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities..." (The definitive parallel on spiritual warfare).
  • Jeremiah 1:10: "See, I have set you this day over nations... to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow..." (Prophetic authority to demolish).
  • Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword..." (The Word of God as a spiritual weapon).

Cross references

1 Cor 2:4-5 (power of God, not wisdom of men), 2 Tim 2:3-4 (soldier of Christ), 1 Tim 1:18 (wage the good warfare), Zech 4:6 (not by might, but by My Spirit).

Polemics

Scholars note that the "strongholds" are not external demonic powers in this context, but internal, intellectual fortifications. They are the arrogant human philosophies, cultural values (like the Greek obsession with rhetoric), and rebellious patterns of thinking that the Corinthians had adopted, which set themselves up against the simple, humble truth of the gospel. The warfare is for the mind.


2 Corinthians 10:5

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

In-depth-analysis

  • The Targets Identified: The "strongholds" are now specified:
    • Arguments (logismos): Human reasonings, philosophies, and rationalizations that contradict God's truth.
    • Lofty opinion (hypsĹŤma): Arrogance, pride, intellectual snobbery. Anything that elevates itself above God.
  • The Goal: Not just destruction, but reclamation.
    • Take... captive (aichmalĹŤtizontes): A military term for taking prisoners of war. Paul's goal is to capture rebellious thoughts.
    • To obey Christ: The captured thoughts are not just subdued but are retrained and realigned to be subject to the Lordship of Jesus. This is the essence of repentance and sanctification.

Bible references

  • Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." (The battle for the mind is a key part of Christian transformation).
  • Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable... think about these things." (Directing the mind toward what is godly).
  • Isaiah 2:12: "For the LORD of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low." (God's opposition to human pride).

Cross references

Prov 21:30 (no wisdom against the LORD), Isa 55:7 (let the wicked forsake his thought), 1 Pet 1:13 (preparing minds for action), Rom 1:21-22 (futile thinking).


2 Corinthians 10:6

being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

In-depth-analysis

  • Apostolic Discipline: Paul asserts his authority to discipline unrepentant disobedience within the church.
  • "When your obedience is complete": This is a brilliant pastoral move. He is giving the Corinthian church—the majority—time to repent and align themselves with him and with Christ. His judgment is aimed only at the "some" (v. 2) who remain rebellious, not the entire congregation. He waits to act until the loyal members are secured, thus isolating the troublemakers.

Bible references

  • 1 Corinthians 5:3-5: "...you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved..." (Example of Paul exercising apostolic discipline).
  • Matthew 18:15-17: "...if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." (Jesus's instructions on church discipline).
  • 2 Corinthians 2:9: "For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything." (Obedience was a key theme of the "severe letter").

Cross references

Acts 5:1-11 (Ananias and Sapphira), 1 Tim 5:20 (rebuke sinners publicly), Tit 3:10 (warn divisive person).


2 Corinthians 10:7

Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that as he is Christ’s, so also are we.

In-depth-analysis

  • "Look at what is before your eyes": A command laced with irony. He tells them to look at the superficial things they have been valuing (appearance, eloquence), and then immediately challenges that very standard.
  • The Common Ground: He confronts his opponents on their own claim: "If anyone is confident he belongs to Christ...". He doesn't dispute their claim, but uses it as a basis for his own.
  • Simple Logic: "...so also are we." He states his credentials as being Christ's are just as valid, if not more so, than theirs. It is a fundamental, non-negotiable starting point.

Bible references

  • 1 Samuel 16:7: "...For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (The classic refutation of judging by appearance).
  • John 7:24: "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." (Jesus's command to look beyond the superficial).
  • 1 Corinthians 3:23: "...and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s." (The ultimate belonging of every believer).

Cross references

Rom 14:8 (we belong to the Lord), Gal 3:29 (if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring), 1 John 4:6 (whoever knows God listens to us).


2 Corinthians 10:8

For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

In-depth-analysis

  • Authority (exousia): Paul claims legitimate, God-given authority.
  • Source and Purpose: This authority is not self-appointed. Its source is "the Lord" and its purpose is positive: "for building you up" (oikodomÄ“) not "tearing you down" (kathairesis). This is a core test of true spiritual leadership. False apostles use their influence for selfish gain and to cause division (tearing down).
  • Boasting: He preemptively defends his "boasting," which he will engage in more fully in chapter 11, framing it as a necessary defense of his ministry for their sake.

Bible references

  • 2 Corinthians 13:10: "For this reason I write these things... that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down." (He repeats this principle verbatim).
  • Ephesians 4:11-12: "And he gave the apostles, the prophets... to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ..." (The divine purpose of all ministry gifts).
  • Jeremiah 24:6-7: "I will set my eyes on them for good... I will build them up, and not pull them down; I will plant them, and not pluck them up." (God's nature is to build, not destroy his people).

Cross references

Rom 15:20 (Paul's ministry principle), 1 Cor 3:10 (master builder), 2 Cor 12:19 (we do everything for your upbuilding).


2 Corinthians 10:9-11

I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters. For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” Let such a person understand this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such we will be in deed when present.

In-depth-analysis

  • Quoting his Critics: Verse 10 is almost certainly a direct quotation of the slanders spread by his opponents. This was their main attack.
  • "Weighty and strong" (bareiai kai ischyrai): His letters carried theological depth and authoritative tone.
  • "Bodily presence is weak" (asthenes): This could refer to a physical ailment, short stature, or simply an unimpressive, non-charismatic demeanor.
  • "Speech of no account" (exouthenÄ“menos): Literally, "despised" or "contemptible." He was not a trained rhetorician by Greek standards.
  • The Unification: Paul's response is a direct promise of integrity. There is no disconnect between his words and his actions. The authority in the letters will be matched by authoritative action when he arrives. He is not bluffing.

Bible references

  • 1 Corinthians 2:1-4: "And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming... with lofty speech or wisdom... in weakness and in fear and much trembling..." (Paul's own description of his "unimpressive" style).
  • Galatians 4:13-14: "...you know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you... and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me..." (A hint at a physical weakness).
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2-3: "I warned those who sinned before and all the others... if I come again I will not spare them, since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me." (His promise to act decisively).

Cross references

Acts 20:7-12 (Paul's lengthy speech), 1 Thess 1:5 (gospel came not only in word, but also in power).


2 Corinthians 10:12-13

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, a limit that reached even to you.

In-depth-analysis

  • Self-Commendation: Paul sarcastically states he wouldn't "dare" do what his opponents do: compare themselves only with each other in a self-congratulatory circle.
  • "Without understanding": He labels their method as utter folly. They create their own standard of success and then declare they have met it. It's an echo chamber.
  • God's Measure (metron) / Rule (kanĹŤn): Paul's standard is entirely different. His sphere of ministry is a "measure" assigned by God. He is working within the divinely appointed boundaries given to him.
  • Corinth is inside the boundary: He did not intrude on another's territory. God's plan led him to them, validating his ministry there.

Bible references

  • Romans 15:20: "...thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation..." (Paul's principle of pioneering ministry).
  • Proverbs 27:2: "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips." (Condemnation of self-praise).
  • Galatians 1:15-16: "But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles..." (Paul's clear sense of a divinely assigned mission).

Cross references

Luke 18:11 (Pharisee praised himself), John 5:31 (if I bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true), Prov 26:12 (man wise in own eyes).


2 Corinthians 10:14-16

For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting in what has already been done in another’s area of influence.

In-depth-analysis

  • Foundational Ministry: Paul reminds them he was the founder of their church ("we were the first"). His opponents are the ones "building on another's foundation."
  • Interdependent Growth: Here is a remarkable principle. Paul's ability to expand his ministry ("lands beyond you") is directly tied to the Corinthians' spiritual maturity ("as your faith increases"). A healthy, stable church becomes a launchpad for further mission, not a perpetual sinkhole for apostolic energy.
  • Subtle Rebuke: Their immaturity and susceptibility to false teachers is hindering the spread of the gospel. He is calling them to grow up for the sake of the wider mission.

Bible references

  • Romans 1:13-15: "I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you... in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles." (Paul's desire for fruit to lead to further mission).
  • 1 Corinthians 3:6: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." (Paul's clear role as the foundational planter).
  • Acts 18:1-11: (The historical account of Paul founding the church in Corinth).

Cross references

1 Cor 9:1-2 (Corinthians are the seal of his apostleship), Phil 1:25-26 (Paul's presence for their progress in faith), 3 John 1:8 (support so as to be fellow workers for the truth).


2 Corinthians 10:17-18

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

In-depth-analysis

  • The Ultimate Standard: Paul concludes his argument by quoting the prophet Jeremiah. This shifts the entire debate from Paul vs. opponents to a divine principle. True worth is found not in self-promotion but in God's approval.
  • Boast in the Lord: To boast in the Lord is to glory in His character, His salvation, His work, and His power, not one's own achievements, rhetoric, or status. It is the antithesis of the "super-apostles'" approach.
  • "Approved" (dokimos): This is a word for metal tested and found genuine. True ministry is not about who has the best resume, but about who has been tested and authenticated by God Himself. This is the only commendation that matters.

Bible references

  • Jeremiah 9:23-24: "Thus says the LORD: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom... but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me...'" (The direct OT source).
  • 1 Corinthians 1:31: "...so that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'" (Paul has already used this key principle with this same church).
  • Romans 2:29: "...a Jew is one inwardly... whose praise is not from man but from God." (The principle of divine vs. human approval).

Cross references

Prov 27:2 (let another praise you), 1 Sam 2:3 (God is a God of knowledge), Gal 6:14 (boast only in the cross), Rom 16:10 (approved in Christ).


2 Corinthians chapter 10 analysis

  • The "Fool's Discourse" Introduction: This chapter initiates a section running through chapter 12 where Paul, with heavy irony, adopts the worldly method of "boasting" to expose its absurdity and to highlight his true, God-given credentials found in his weaknesses and sufferings.
  • Flesh vs. Spirit as a Standard: Paul masterfully redefines "flesh." His opponents accuse him of walking kata sarka (according to the flesh; i.e., in a weak, human way). Paul reveals that they are the ones who are truly kata sarka because they judge by worldly criteria: physical appearance, rhetorical skill, letters of recommendation, and self-praise. True spirituality operates with God's power and seeks God's approval.
  • Redefining Authority: Apostolic authority is not a worldly power to dominate but a divine endowment to build up. Its legitimacy is not proven by charismatic presence but by faithfulness to the gospel and the spiritual transformation of the church.
  • Warfare for the Mind: Paul's spiritual warfare is explicitly cognitive. It targets "arguments" and "thoughts." The Christian battle is won by demolishing proud, anti-God philosophies and bringing every intellectual faculty under the Lordship of Christ. This was profoundly counter-cultural in a Greek world that idolized human reason and philosophy as the highest good.

    2 Corinthians 10 summary

    Paul forcefully defends his apostolic ministry against opponents in Corinth. He contrasts their worldly methods of judging by appearance and self-praise with the reality of spiritual warfare, where divine power demolishes intellectual pride. He asserts that his God-given authority is for building up the church, not tearing it down. He concludes by stating the ultimate principle: true approval comes not from self-commendation but from the Lord, and all legitimate boasting must be in Him alone.

2 Corinthians 10 AI Image Audio and Video

2 Corinthians chapter 10 kjv

  1. 1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
  2. 2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
  3. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
  4. 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
  5. 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
  6. 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
  7. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
  8. 8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
  9. 9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
  10. 10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
  11. 11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
  12. 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
  13. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
  14. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
  15. 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
  16. 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
  17. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
  18. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

2 Corinthians chapter 10 nkjv

  1. 1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ? who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
  2. 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
  3. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
  4. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
  5. 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
  6. 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
  7. 7 Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ's, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ's, even so we are Christ's.
  8. 8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed?
  9. 9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters.
  10. 10 "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."
  11. 11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.
  12. 12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
  13. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us?a sphere which especially includes you.
  14. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;
  15. 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,
  16. 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment.
  17. 17 But "he who glories, let him glory in the LORD."
  18. 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians chapter 10 niv

  1. 1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you?I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" toward you when away!
  2. 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.
  3. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
  4. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
  5. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
  6. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
  7. 7 You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do.
  8. 8 So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it.
  9. 9 I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters.
  10. 10 For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing."
  11. 11 Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
  12. 12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
  13. 13 We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you.
  14. 14 We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ.
  15. 15 Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand,
  16. 16 so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else's territory.
  17. 17 But, "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."
  18. 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians chapter 10 esv

  1. 1 I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ ? I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away! ?
  2. 2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.
  3. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.
  4. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
  5. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
  6. 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
  7. 7 Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we.
  8. 8 For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.
  9. 9 I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters.
  10. 10 For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account."
  11. 11 Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.
  12. 12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
  13. 13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.
  14. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ.
  15. 15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged,
  16. 16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence.
  17. 17 "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
  18. 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians chapter 10 nlt

  1. 1 Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ ? though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away.
  2. 2 Well, I am begging you now so that when I come I won't have to be bold with those who think we act from human motives.
  3. 3 We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do.
  4. 4 We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.
  5. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
  6. 6 And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.
  7. 7 Look at the obvious facts. Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do.
  8. 8 I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn't tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.
  9. 9 I'm not trying to frighten you by my letters.
  10. 10 For some say, "Paul's letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!"
  11. 11 Those people should realize that our actions when we arrive in person will be as forceful as what we say in our letters from far away.
  12. 12 Oh, don't worry; we wouldn't dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!
  13. 13 We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you.
  14. 14 We are not reaching beyond these boundaries when we claim authority over you, as if we had never visited you. For we were the first to travel all the way to Corinth with the Good News of Christ.
  15. 15 Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended.
  16. 16 Then we will be able to go and preach the Good News in other places far beyond you, where no one else is working. Then there will be no question of our boasting about work done in someone else's territory.
  17. 17 As the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD."
  18. 18 When people commend themselves, it doesn't count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.
  1. Bible Book of 2 Corinthians
  2. 1 Greeting
  3. 2 Forgive the Sinner
  4. 3 Ministers of the New Covenant
  5. 4 The Light of the Gospel
  6. 5 To be Absent from the body
  7. 6 The Temple of the Living God
  8. 7 Paul's Joy
  9. 8 Encouragement to Give Generously
  10. 9 The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem
  11. 10 Paul Defends His Ministry
  12. 11 Paul and the False Apostles
  13. 12 Paul's thorn in the flesh
  14. 13 Final Warnings