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2 Corinthians 10

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:

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.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

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;

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

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.

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:

That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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,

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.

But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

What does 2 Corinthians 10:18 mean?

Explanation

The verse 2 Corinthians 10:18 from the King James Version of the Bible touches upon the theme of divine versus self-approval.

It communicates the idea that an individual's self-commendation does not necessarily equate to being righteous or praiseworthy in the eyes of God.

The deeper meaning suggests that true validation and approval come from the Lord, rather than from one's own accolades or the affirmation of others.

The apostle Paul exhorts the Corinthians to seek divine endorsement rather than boasting about themselves, as the judgement of God is the ultimate standard by which one's worth and actions should be measured.

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians, written roughly between 55 and 57 AD.

The Corinth church was a community fraught with internal divisions, moral issues, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority.

In the context of this verse, Paul is addressing claims and criticisms from some community members who may have been boasting about their own accomplishments and questioning Paul's authority and credibility.

Paul seeks to shift the focus from human commendation to divine approval, characterizing true apostleship and Christian maturity as being consistent with God's standards and not self-promotion.

Theological Insights

Theologically, 2 Corinthians 10:18 offers insights into multiple doctrines:

Divine Judgment: It underscores the belief in God's judgment as the true gauge of morality and worthiness.
Humility: It reflects the Christian virtue of humility, suggesting that true servants of God do not seek their own glory, but the glory that comes from God alone.
Apostolic Authority: For those in ministry, it emphasizes the source of authority as being God-given, not self-asserted.

Different denominations have various interpretations of divine commendation but generally agree on the importance of humility and seeking God's approval rather than self-promotion.

Practical Applications

In daily living, 2 Corinthians 10:18 can be applied by:

Encouraging believers to engage in self-reflection and to seek God's approval in their lives over worldly recognition.
Inspiring individuals to focus on serving others and God rather than seeking personal accolades.
Reminding Christians that their value and identity come from their relationship with God, not from their achievements or the praise of others.

Cross-References

John 12:43: "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."
Galatians 1:10: "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."
1 Thessalonians 2:4: "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the verse uses the term "συνιστάνων" (synistanon) which translates to "commending" or "presenting".

The phrase "οὐκ ἐν τῷ ἑαυτὸν" (ouk en to heauton) literally means "not in the one commending himself." The true focus is on the phrase "ἀλλ᾽ ὃν ὁ Κύριος συνίστησιν" (allon hon ho Kyrios synistēsin), "but whom the Lord commendeth." The emphasis on the Lord's commendation versus self-commendation is stark in the original language, underlining the ultimate authority of divine approval.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, commendation often came from social status, lineage, or achievements.

In contrast, the Bible's portrayal of divine commendation breaks from purely worldly measures of success. Religiously, this concept differs from some traditions where honor and status are sought for personal glory or in the context of ancestral veneration.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives on this verse are less direct, as it deals with abstract concepts of self-perception, approval, and morality rather than empirical observations.

However, psychology might explore the effects of seeking external validation versus intrinsic worth, suggesting that a sense of purpose or approval that comes from a source perceived as higher or more authoritative, like a divine being, might offer greater psychological stability and fulfillment.

Commentaries

Commentators approach this verse with consensus on its fundamental message:

John Calvin notes the vanity of self-praise and emphasizes the importance of God's judgment.
Matthew Henry speaks to the folly of boasting in human judgment and the superiority of divine approval.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible suggests that genuine approval comes from God, who alone can rightfully judge one's heart and motives.

In all, the commentary tradition on this verse upholds the theme of humility before God and the rejection of self-glorification.

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10

What does 2 Corinthians 10:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 2 Corinthians 10:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?