Deep Dive

II Corinthians 10:17

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Rather, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 17

glorieth--Translate, to accord with Co2 10:16, "boasteth." In contrast to his opponents' practice of boasting in another's line or sphere, Paul declares the only true boasting is in the Lord (Co1 1:31; Co1 15:10).

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 17

There was no place in which the apostle Paul met with more opposition from false apostles than at Corinth; he had many enemies there. Let not any of the ministers of Christ think it strange if they meet with perils, not only from enemies, but from false brethren; for blessed Paul himself did so. Though he was so blameless and inoffensive in all his carriage, so condescending and useful to all, yet there were those who bore him ill-will, who envied him, and did all they could to undermine him, and lesson his interest and reputation. Therefore he vindicates himself from their imputation, and arms the Corinthians against their insinuations. In this chapter the apostle, in a mild and humble manner, asserts the power of his preaching, and to punish offenders (Co2 10:1-6). He then proceeds to reason the case with the Corinthians, asserting his relation to Christ, and his authority as an apostle of Christ (Co2 10:7-11), and refuses to justify himself, or to act by such rules as the false teachers did, but according to the better rules he had fixed for himself (Co2 10:12 to the end).

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Tyndale Open Study Notesv. 17

10:17-18 Paul quotes Jer 9:24 to the effect that all missionaries are directed by the Lord. So boasting doesn’t count for much. Only as the Lord praises us for our service can success have any significance.

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