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II Corinthians 10:18

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For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 18

(Pro 27:2). whom the Lord commendeth--to whom the Lord has given as His "Epistle of commendation," the believers whom he has been the instrument of converting: as was Paul's case (Co2 3:1-3). is approved--can stand the test of the final trial. A metaphor from testing metals (Rom 16:10; Co1 11:19). So on the other hand those finally rejected by the Lord are termed "reprobate silver" (Jer 6:30). Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 11

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 18

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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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Proverbs 21:2rank 15

All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.

Luke 16:15rank 14

So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.

Romans 2:29rank 11

No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.

I Corinthians 4:5rank 11

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

II Corinthians 10:12rank 9

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance.

John 12:43rank 8

For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

Romans 14:18rank 5

For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

Proverbs 27:2rank 5

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips.

I Peter 1:7rank 4

so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

II Corinthians 13:7rank 4

Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not that we will appear to have stood the test, but that you will do what is right, even if we appear to have failed.

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