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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 10:4 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 10:4 is a notable verse from Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

In this verse, Paul contrasts the nature of Christian spiritual warfare with worldly warfare.

He is emphasizing that the conflicts and struggles associated with following Christ are not to be fought with physical weapons or strength.

Instead, they are to be engaged with spiritual tools and resources which have divine power.

This "mighty" power from God is capable of "pulling down strong holds," meaning it can overcome false arguments, beliefs, and every form of spiritual opposition.

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

This letter was written by Paul the Apostle to the church in Corinth around 55-57 A.D.

Corinth was a major city in ancient Greece and known for its wealth, diversity, and moral laxity.

The Corinthians were living in a hedonistic society with many false gods and idols.

Paul's ministry there faced opposition not only from the surrounding culture but also from false apostles who questioned his authority and teachings.

In this context, Paul was affirming the spiritual nature of his ministry and authority, and distinguishing the Christian way of confronting opposition from the worldly methods of his time.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the supremacy of spiritual truth over earthly power.

It implies that earthly force and human strength are insufficient in spiritual matters.

The battle that Christians face is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (as noted in Ephesians 6:12), which requires divine empowerment.

Some denominations and theologians focus on spiritual warfare as a central aspect of Christian living, while others may understand the concept more metaphorically, emphasizing internal struggle against sin.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can be interpreted to mean that when facing challenges to their faith or morality, believers should not resort to violence or physical force, but to prayer, faith, and obedience to God's word.

This can apply to personal struggles with sin, interpersonal conflicts, and broader cultural or social battles.

Christians are encouraged to rely on God's strength and the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than their own cunning or resources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 6:11-12: "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

1 Timothy 1:18: "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;"
Romans 13:12: "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text is "οὐ γὰρ ἐστὶν ἡμῖν τὰ ὅπλα τῆς στρατείας σαρκικά," which directly translates to "for the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly." The term "σαρκικά" (sarkika) or "carnal" refers to that which is of the flesh, emphasizing the contrast between the physical and the spiritual.

The phrase "δυνατὰ τῷ θεῷ" (dynata tō theō) translates to "mighty through God," which highlights the divine source of the believers' strength.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, including the Greek culture surrounding Corinth, military prowess and physical strength were highly valued.

In contrast, the Christian ethos as put forward by Paul called for a reliance on spiritual strength. This stood in stark contrast to the prevailing cultural norms of the time.

Additionally, in some other religions, there are parallels where the emphasis is on internal or spiritual struggle rather than physical or violent confrontation, such as in Buddhism's concept of internal striving towards enlightenment.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific discourse, it addresses the human quest for understanding beyond the material world, which can correlate with psychological and sociological explorations into how beliefs, faith, and spiritual practices impact human behavior and societal structures.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and commentators have offered interpretations of this verse.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the sufficiency of God's grace and the spiritual weapons provided to believers.

John Gill's exposition highlights the spiritual nature of the Christian conflict and the necessity of divine power in overcoming spiritual adversaries.

Most commentaries agree that the essence of the verse is on the distinction between earthly power and spiritual empowerment in the life of a Christian.

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10

What does 2 Corinthians 10:4 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 10:4 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?