2 Corinthianschapter 10

18 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 254 cross-references outward and receives 263 — heaviest partner: 2 Corinthians.

Chapter summary

Here the tone shifts. I beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ — who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you. Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh; the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. We will boast not of other men's labours. He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. Calvin marks the chapter as the beginning of the apostle's defense against the false apostles.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the 2 Corinthians overview for the book's full setting.

1 Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

2 yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh

4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds);

5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

6 and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.

7 Ye look at the things that are before your face. If any man trusteth in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ’s, so also are we.

8 For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame:

9 that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.