2 Corinthians 10

     The final four chapters, 10-13, are a vigorous defense by Paul of his apostolic authority against those who hunger for preeminence in Corinth, and have undermined his authority by personal attacks.  But the real issue is that these false apostles seek to undermine not only Paul, but the gospel itself.  They themselves are guilty of the very things they accuse Paul of, which is promoting themselves for personal gain.

     The sharp change of tone from previous chapters has caused some to speculate that this is a fragment from the previous lost severe letter.  It does not seem so to me.  It is evident throughout that there are two groups of recipients in mind.  First, there is the majority, the true flock of Christ who have demonstrated their love and repentance.  Secondly, there is a small band of wolves who have come in among them (cf. notes at 1 Cor.15:12) and a confused group they are influencing.

     10:1 Paul’s sarcasm is an echo of the enemy’s slander (10-11).

     10:2-7.  Those who judge by outward appearance don’t know what kind of warrior they are up against, nor even see his weapons (cf. Mt.16:18; Eph.6:10-17).

     10:8.  Paul’s boasting (as his defense of the power of God in him may be called by some) is not empty words.  If need be, he has the power to curse (cf. Acts 13:8-11).  But the real purpose of the power given to him is to bring the healing and redeeming word of life to the dead and dying, to build them up in Christ (8; 12:9; 13:10).

     10:10.  The Greeks were great admirers of the commanding presence and delivery of great orators.  Paul was weak and sickly.  The power of God in him in both word and deed were evident when he was present, but he was easy to ridicule when absent for a long while (cf. 1 Cor.1:17; 2:3; 2 Cor.11:6; 12:7; Gal.4:13 f.).

     10:11-18.  If v.11 sounds like fair warning, it is.  Paul does not boast beyond what God has apportioned (13).  He is not overextending himself, for by him God has sent the gospel even as far as them (14), and it is not he who attempts to boast in the labors of others.  Not only that, but with the help of a faithful and stabilized Corinth, he hopes to enlarge his sphere even beyond them to further regions (15-16).  Vv.17-18 put all boasting in proper perspective.