2 Corinthians 10

Paul Defends His Ministry

1 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: References Christ: Galatians 5:2. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 10:10, 11:30, Matthew 11:29, Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 2:3

2 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. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 13:2, 13:10

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 10:4, Romans 8:13, Galatians 2:20, 1 Timothy 1:18, 2 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 12:1

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. to the pulling down of strong holds;) References God: 2 Corinthians 3:5, 4:7, 6:7, Romans 6:13, 1 Corinthians 2:5. Parallel theme: Psalms 110:2, Jeremiah 1:10, Romans 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, 1 Timothy 1:18 +5

5 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; References God: Isaiah 55:7, Romans 1:21, 1 Corinthians 3:19, Hebrews 4:12. Parallel theme: Psalms 139:2, Proverbs 15:26, Jeremiah 4:14, Matthew 15:19, Romans 7:23, 1 Corinthians 1:19 +5

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 2:9, 7:15, 13:2, 13:10

Paul's Authority

7 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. References Christ: 2 Corinthians 10:1, 11:23, 1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:23, 9:1, Galatians 3:29. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 5:12, John 7:24, 1 Corinthians 14:37, 1 John 4:6 +5

8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: References Lord: 2 Corinthians 13:10. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:24, 12:6, 13:8, Galatians 1:1, 2 Timothy 1:12

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

10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 11:6, Exodus 4:10, 1 Corinthians 1:17

11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 12:20, 13:10

12 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. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 3:1, 5:12, 10:18, Job 12:2, Proverbs 25:27, 26:12, 27:2, Luke 18:11, Romans 15:18 +4

13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. References God: Romans 12:3, 1 Peter 4:10. Parallel theme: Romans 12:6, 15:20, 1 Corinthians 12:11, Ephesians 4:7

14 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 gospelGospel: εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion). The Greek euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means good news or gospel—the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. It's 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16). of Christ: References Christ: Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 4:15. Parallel theme: 1 Timothy 1:11

15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hopeHope: ἐλπίς (Elpis). The Greek elpis (ἐλπίς) denotes hope—confident expectation of good. This hope is 'an anchor of the soul' (Hebrews 6:19), grounded in Christ's resurrection and the believer's future inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4)., when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, Faith: 2 Thessalonians 1:3. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 10:13, Acts 5:13, Romans 15:20

16 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.

17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint.. Glory: Psalms 105:3, Jeremiah 4:2, 1 Corinthians 1:29, 1:31. Parallel theme: Isaiah 65:16

18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. References Lord: Proverbs 21:2, 1 Corinthians 4:5. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 10:12, 13:7, Proverbs 27:2, Luke 16:15, John 12:43, Romans 2:29, 14:18, 1 Peter 1:7 +5