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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 10:7 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 10:7 challenges readers to evaluate their faith with introspection, humility, and understanding of their shared identity in Christ.

The apostle Paul confronts the Corinthians' tendency to judge by appearances, implying that some people in the community may have been questioning his or others' authority or legitimacy as servants of Christ based on superficial criteria.

Paul's rhetorical question suggests that just as he belongs to Christ, so do those who claim allegiance to Jesus.

The underlying message is that followers should not boast about their faith or spiritual status, but rather understand that their relationship with Christ does not elevate them above others who share the same commitment.

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

This passage is part of the second letter Paul wrote to the church in Corinth around 55-57 A.D. The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions, and there were people who were challenging Paul's apostolic authority.

Some were suggesting that Paul's physical presence was weak, and his speech contemptible (2 Corinthians 10:10).

This verse reflects Paul's attempt to reassert his genuine connection to Christ and his authority as an apostle, in addition to correcting their misguided judgments based on outward appearances.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse emphasizes the unity and equality of believers in Christ.

From a Protestant perspective, it may be seen as an affirmation of the priesthood of all believers, suggesting that there is no hierarchy of worthiness or spiritual status among those who follow Christ.

The Catholic tradition might focus on the communal nature of Christianity, highlighting how each member of the body of Christ has a role to play, and how believers should recognize the presence of Christ in one another.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages individuals not to judge others based on external factors such as their looks, eloquence, or social status.

It is a call to self-examine one's faith in relation to Christ and recognize that all who are in Christ share the same standing before God.

Moreover, it's a call to humility and to value inner qualities and faithfulness over outward appearances.

Cross-References

"For there is no respect of persons with God." (Romans 2:11)
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12)
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)

Language Study

The term "outward appearance" translates from the Greek word "prosopon" which can mean face, person, or presence.

It suggests something superficial or external.

The phrase "trust to himself" is from the Greek "peitho" indicating confidence or reliance upon oneself.

"Christ's" translates "Christou," pointing to belonging or pertaining to Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient myths and religions, there is a focus on outward appearances, whether it be the gods favoring beautiful heroes or rituals requiring ornate external displays.

Paul's message contrasts with these concepts, emphasizing inner faith and spiritual connection over outward beauty or form.

This spiritual emphasis can be compared to religious teachings in Buddhism which value the internal pursuit of enlightenment over external practices.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might consider the psychological tendency of humans to judge based on appearances, a phenomenon known as the "halo effect," where one's perception of another in one area influences one's overall perception of that person.

This verse may speak against such tendencies, advocating for a more holistic and less superficial approach to evaluating one's faith and character.

Commentaries

Commentators generally agree on the corrective nature of this verse within the Corinthian context.

John Calvin saw this as a rebuke of false apostles who elevated themselves based on appearances.

Matthew Henry emphasized the importance of not taking pride in outward connections or privileges but in inward graces.

Contemporary commentaries often focus on the theme of true spiritual discernment versus superficial judgment, and the shared identity of all believers as part of Christ's body.

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10

What does 2 Corinthians 10:7 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 10:7 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?