Prev2 Corinthians 10:8Next

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 10:8 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 10:8 discusses the apostle Paul speaking about the authority granted to him by the Lord, which he stresses is for the purpose of building up the church rather than tearing it down.

Paul often faced criticism from some who claimed he wasn't a genuine apostle or that his teachings were not authentic.

In this verse, he is defending his right to "boast" or affirm his authority as something given by the Lord for a positive purpose: the edification of the believers. He suggests that he has restrained from using his full authority to spare them any feeling of having been overpowered or overwhelmed.

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the context of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, a church located in the ancient city of Corinth during the first century A.D.

Corinth was a prominent city in Greece, known for its wealth, commerce, and diversity of religions and philosophies.

Paul founded the Christian church there and maintained a relationship with it through letters.

Paul is addressing challenges to his authority by some within the Corinthian church who questioned his apostleship and his motives.

This letter reflects his attempt to affirm his relationship with the church and his role as a legitimate apostle of Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Paul is asserting a Christ-given authority that is intended for the betterment of those in the community of faith, not their harm or punishment.

The concept of authority in the Christian context is often coupled with responsibility and service, as opposed to dominion and control. Paul is tackling the delicate balance between exercising his apostolic authority and ensuring that it is recognized as a servant leadership aimed at edification.

Interpretations vary among different Christian denominations.

Some may emphasize Paul's apostolic authority as a model for church leadership, while others may focus on his humility and service orientation despite the authority he possessed.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of 2 Corinthians 10:8 are several.

It encourages leaders within the Church to use their authority compassionately and constructively, focusing on building up rather than tearing down.

It also prompts individuals to reflect on their own use of power or influence, whether in a family, workplace, or community setting, to ensure it is used for constructive and not destructive purposes.

The verse also cautions against abusing authority and instead supports a model of leadership that is nurturing and uplifting.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:11-12: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
2 Corinthians 13:10: "Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction."
1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

Language Study

The key words in this verse are "authority" (Greek: ἐξουσία, exousia), "edification" (Greek: οἰκοδομή, oikodome), and "destruction" (Greek: καθαίρεσις, kathairesis).

"Exousia" refers to the power or right to act, speak, or command.

"Oikodome" means the building up or improvement of someone spiritually or morally.

"Kathairesis" signifies a pulling down or demolition, in this case metaphorically, to the harming or negative impact on a person or community.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions and myths, the use of power could be capricious and self-serving. Rulers and deities might use their authority for their own gain or whims. By contrast, Paul's concept of authority in 2 Corinthians is countercultural in its focus on serving others and building them up.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse might intersect with studies on the psychology of leadership and authority.

Modern organizational psychology often emphasizes the importance of transformational leadership, which aligns closely with Paul's idea of using power primarily for the benefit and growth of others rather than for coercion or personal gain.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries interpret this verse as pivotal in understanding Paul's defense of his apostleship and his model for Christian leadership.

Renowned theologians like John Calvin have noted Paul's gentle assertion of authority, whereas others have pointed out the duality of apostolic authority being used for correction but always with the aim of constructive outcomes rather than punishment or control.

Exegetes often reference this verse in discussions on church governance, leadership, and the apostolic foundations of ecclesiastical authority.

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10

What does 2 Corinthians 10:8 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 10:8 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?