top of page

2 Corinthians 10

In this passage, Paul emphasizes the contrast between spiritual authority and worldly judgment. He appeals to the humility and gentleness of Christ, acknowledging the struggle believers face when navigating opposition that questions their integrity and mission. The apostle clarifies that true warfare is not fought with earthly means, but through divine power that dismantles strongholds opposing the knowledge of God. Paul’s approach highlights the importance of integrity and reliance on God's approval rather than human commendation. Ultimately, he reminds the church that boasting should be centered in the Lord alone, reinforcing the centrality of faith and grace in the life of a believer.

Core Bible study

2 Corinthians 10:1

Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

Original language

αυτος δε εγω παυλος παρακαλω υμας δια της πραοτητος και επιεικειας του χριστου ος κατα προσωπον μεν ταπεινος εν υμιν απων δε θαρρω εις υμας

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:2

Yes, I beg you that I may not, when present, show courage with the confidence with which I intend to be bold against some, who consider us to be walking according to the flesh.

Original language

δεομαι δε το μη παρων θαρρησαι τη πεποιθησει η λογιζομαι τολμησαι επι τινας τους λογιζομενους ημας ως κατα σαρκα περιπατουντας

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

In this verse, Paul expresses his desire to avoid a confrontational stance when he arrives, despite his firm resolve to defend his apostolic authority and the integrity of his ministry. The Greek term for "confidence" is πεποίθησις (pepoithesis), which conveys a strong conviction or assurance. This highlights Paul's internal struggle between his pastoral demeanor and the boldness he feels compelled to exhibit against those who misjudge him as operating merely according to human standards. The phrase "walking according to the flesh" contrasts spiritual living with worldly attitudes, indicating that these individuals misunderstand the divine nature of Paul's ministry. This underscores the tension between the spiritual authority of the apostle and the judgment of his detractors.

In this verse, Paul expresses his desire to avoid a confrontational stance when he arrives, despite his firm resolve to defend his apostolic authority and the integrity of his ministry.

The Greek term for "confidence" is πεποίθησις (pepoithesis), which conveys a strong conviction or assurance. This highlights Paul's internal struggle between his pastoral demeanor and the boldness he feels compelled to exhibit against those who misjudge him as operating merely according to human standards.

The phrase "walking according to the flesh" contrasts spiritual living with worldly attitudes, indicating that these individuals misunderstand the divine nature of Paul's ministry. This underscores the tension between the spiritual authority of the apostle and the judgment of his detractors.

2 Corinthians 10:3

For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh;

Original language

εν σαρκι γαρ περιπατουντες ου κατα σαρκα στρατευομεθα

Cross references

2 Corinthians 10:4: for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds,

2 Corinthians 10:5: throwing 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;

Ephesians 6:10: Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

Ephesians 6:11: Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:12: For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Romans 8:5: For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:6: For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;

Romans 8:7: because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God; for it is not subject to God’s law, neither indeed can it be.

Romans 8:8: Those who are in the flesh can’t please God.

Galatians 5:16: But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:17: For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.

1 John 2:15: Don’t love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him.

1 John 2:16: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s.

1 John 2:17: The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever.

James 4:1: Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures that war in your members?

James 4:2: You lust, and don’t have. You kill, covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask.

James 4:3: You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures.

2 Timothy 2:3: You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:4: No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

Colossians 3:2: Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.

Commentary

The phrase "walk in the flesh" (εν σαρκι περιπατουντες) indicates that while believers live in a physical existence, they are not to conduct spiritual battles in a worldly manner. The term "wage war" (στρατευομεθα) emphasizes the aggressive and active nature of spiritual engagement; Paul contrasts this divine warfare with earthly methods, underscoring the necessity of spiritual discernment and reliance on God’s power rather than human strength.

The phrase "walk in the flesh" (εν σαρκι περιπατουντες) indicates that while believers live in a physical existence, they are not to conduct spiritual battles in a worldly manner.

The term "wage war" (στρατευομεθα) emphasizes the aggressive and active nature of spiritual engagement; Paul contrasts this divine warfare with earthly methods, underscoring the necessity of spiritual discernment and reliance on God’s power rather than human strength.

2 Corinthians 10:4

for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds,

Original language

τα γαρ οπλα της στρατειας ημων ου σαρκικα αλλα δυνατα τω θεω προς καθαιρεσιν οχυρωματων

Cross references

2 Corinthians 10:5: throwing 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;

Ephesians 6:10: Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

Ephesians 6:11: Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:12: For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:13: Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:14: Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Ephesians 6:15: and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace;

Ephesians 6:16: above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.

Ephesians 6:17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Romans 8:37: No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

1 John 4:4: You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.

Hebrews 11:30: By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days.

James 4:7: Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:8: Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:9: Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.

1 Timothy 6:12: Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

Commentary

The phrase "weapons of our warfare" indicates that Paul is speaking of spiritual resources that are divinely granted to believers. The term "weapons" (ὅπλα) suggests a military context, emphasizing the seriousness of the spiritual battle faced by Christians. The contrast between "not of the flesh" and "but mighty before God" underscores that these weapons are not based on human strength or wisdom but are empowered by God Himself. This divine empowerment enables believers to dismantle "strongholds" (ὀχυρώματα), which can represent arguments, ideologies, or any opposition to the knowledge of God. Ultimately, this verse stresses the necessity of relying on God's power rather than human efforts in the spiritual struggle, affirming the Reformed emphasis on divine sovereignty and grace in spiritual warfare.

The phrase "weapons of our warfare" indicates that Paul is speaking of spiritual resources that are divinely granted to believers. The term "weapons" (ὅπλα) suggests a military context, emphasizing the seriousness of the spiritual battle faced by Christians.

The contrast between "not of the flesh" and "but mighty before God" underscores that these weapons are not based on human strength or wisdom but are empowered by God Himself. This divine empowerment enables believers to dismantle "strongholds" (ὀχυρώματα), which can represent arguments, ideologies, or any opposition to the knowledge of God.

Ultimately, this verse stresses the necessity of relying on God's power rather than human efforts in the spiritual struggle, affirming the Reformed emphasis on divine sovereignty and grace in spiritual warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:5

throwing 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;

Original language

λογισμους καθαιρουντες και παν υψωμα επαιρομενον κατα της γνωσεως του θεου και αιχμαλωτιζοντες παν νοημα εις την υπακοην του χριστου

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

This verse addresses the spiritual warfare in which believers are engaged, particularly in relation to thoughts and philosophies that oppose God's truth. The Greek term "λογισμους" (logismous), which translates to "imaginations" or "reasonings," highlights the mental processes and ideologies that need to be dismantled if they contradict the knowledge of God. The phrase "πάν υψωμα" (pan hypsōma), meaning "every high thing," refers to lofty ideas or prideful beliefs that rise up against God's revelation, illustrating the need for humility in facing God's truth. Finally, "αιχμαλωτιζοντες" (aichmalotizontes), translated as "bringing into captivity," underscores the imperative for believers to take control of their thoughts and align them with the obedience of Christ, thus emphasizing the importance of submissive obedience in faith.

This verse addresses the spiritual warfare in which believers are engaged, particularly in relation to thoughts and philosophies that oppose God's truth.

The Greek term "λογισμους" (logismous), which translates to "imaginations" or "reasonings," highlights the mental processes and ideologies that need to be dismantled if they contradict the knowledge of God.

The phrase "πάν υψωμα" (pan hypsōma), meaning "every high thing," refers to lofty ideas or prideful beliefs that rise up against God's revelation, illustrating the need for humility in facing God's truth.

Finally, "αιχμαλωτιζοντες" (aichmalotizontes), translated as "bringing into captivity," underscores the imperative for believers to take control of their thoughts and align them with the obedience of Christ, thus emphasizing the importance of submissive obedience in faith.

2 Corinthians 10:6

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

Original language

και εν ετοιμω εχοντες εκδικησαι πασαν παρακοην οταν πληρωθη υμων η υπακοη

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:7

Do you look at things only as they appear in front of your face? If anyone trusts in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ’s, so also we are Christ’s.

Original language

τα κατα προσωπον βλεπετε ει τις πεποιθεν εαυτω χριστου ειναι τουτο λογιζεσθω παλιν αφ εαυτου οτι καθως αυτος χριστου ουτως και ημεις χριστου

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:8

For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed,

Original language

εαν τε γαρ και περισσοτερον τι καυχησωμαι περι της εξουσιας ημων ης εδωκεν ο κυριος ημιν εις οικοδομην και ουκ εις καθαιρεσιν υμων ουκ αισχυνθησομαι

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:9

that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters.

Original language

ινα μη δοξω ως αν εκφοβειν υμας δια των επιστολων

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:10

For, “His letters”, they say, “are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised.”

Original language

οτι αι μεν επιστολαι φησιν βαρειαι και ισχυραι η δε παρουσια του σωματος ασθενης και ο λογος εξουθενημενος

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:11

Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present.

Original language

τουτο λογιζεσθω ο τοιουτος οτι οιοι εσμεν τω λογω δι επιστολων αποντες τοιουτοι και παροντες τω εργω

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:12

For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

Original language

ου γαρ τολμωμεν εγκριναι η συγκριναι εαυτους τισιν των εαυτους συνιστανοντων αλλα αυτοι εν εαυτοις εαυτους μετρουντες και συγκρινοντες εαυτους εαυτοις ου συνιουσιν

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:13

But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you.

Original language

ημεις δε ουχι εις τα αμετρα καυχησομεθα αλλα κατα το μετρον του κανονος ου εμερισεν ημιν ο θεος μετρου εφικεσθαι αχρι και υμων

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:14

For we don’t stretch ourselves too much, as though we didn’t reach to you. For we came even as far as to you with the Good News of Christ,

Original language

ου γαρ ως μη εφικνουμενοι εις υμας υπερεκτεινομεν εαυτους αχρι γαρ και υμων εφθασαμεν εν τω ευαγγελιω του χριστου

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:15

not boasting beyond proper limits in other men’s labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence,

Original language

ουκ εις τα αμετρα καυχωμενοι εν αλλοτριοις κοποις ελπιδα δε εχοντες αυξανομενης της πιστεως υμων εν υμιν μεγαλυνθηναι κατα τον κανονα ημων εις περισσειαν

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:16

so as to preach the Good News even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done.

Original language

εις τα υπερεκεινα υμων ευαγγελισασθαι ουκ εν αλλοτριω κανονι εις τα ετοιμα καυχησασθαι

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:17

But “he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.”

Original language

ο δε καυχωμενος εν κυριω καυχασθω

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

2 Corinthians 10:18

For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

Original language

ου γαρ ο εαυτον συνιστων εκεινος εστιν δοκιμος αλλ ον ο κυριος συνιστησιν

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

No commentary

No commentary.

Notes

Compartilhe sua opiniãoSeja o primeiro a escrever um comentário.
bottom of page