II Corinthians 10
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness - Having now finished his directions and advices relative to the collection for the poor, he resumes his argument relative to the false apostle, who had gained considerable influence by representing St. Paul as despicable in his person, his ministry, and his influence. Under this obloquy the apostle was supported by the meekness and gentleness of Christ; and through the same heavenly disposition he delayed inflicting that punishment which, in virtue of his apostolical authority, he might have inflicted on him who had disturbed and labored to corrupt the Christian Church. Who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you - He seems to quote these as the words of his calumniator, as if he had said; "This apostle of yours is a mere braggadocio; when he is among you, you know how base and contemptible he is; when absent, see how he brags and boasts." The word ταπεινος, which we render base, signifies lowly, and, as some think, short of stature. The insinuation is, that when there was danger or opposition at hand, St. Paul acted with great obsequiousness, fearing for his person and authority, lest he should lose his secular influence. See the following verse.
Open source ↗HE VINDICATES HIS APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY AGAINST THOSE WHO DEPRECIATED HIM FOR HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE. HE WILL MAKE HIS POWER FELT WHEN HE COMES. HE BOASTS NOT, AS THEY, BEYOND HIS MEASURE. (2Co. 10:1-18) I Paul myself--no longer "we," "us," "our" (Co2 9:11): I who am represented by depreciators as "base," I, the same Paul, of my own accord "beseech you"; or rather "entreat," "exhort" you for your sake. As "I beseech you" (a distinct Greek verb, Co2 10:2) for my sake. by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--He mentions these graces of Christ especially (Psa 18:35; Mat 11:29), as on account of his imitation of them in particular he was despised [GROTIUS]. He entreats them by these, in order to show that though he must have recourse to more severe measures, he is naturally inclined to gentle ones after Christ's example [MENOCHIUS]. "Meekness" is more in the mind internally; "gentleness" in the external behavior, and in relation to others; for instance, the condescending yieldingness of a superior to an inferior, the former not insisting on his strict rights [TRENCH]. BENGEL explains it, "By the meekness and gentleness derived by me from Christ," not from my own nature: he objects to understanding it of Christ's meekness and gentleness, since nowhere else is "gentleness" attributed to Him. But though the exact Greek word is not applied to Him, the idea expressed by it is (compare Isa 40:11; Mat 12:19-20). in presence--in personal appearance when present with you. base--Greek, "lowly"; timid, humbly diffident: opposed to "bold." "Am" stands here by ironical concession for "am reputed to be" (compare Co2 10:10).
Open source ↗Now I Paul myself beseech you,.... The apostle having said what was necessary and proper to stir up the Corinthians to a liberal contribution for the poor saints at Jerusalem, returns to the vindication of himself against the false apostles; and earnestly entreats the members of this church, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, not to regard their reproaches, and join with them in them; for did they but consider the meek and gentle deportment of Christ, so worthy of his and their imitation, they would see there was no reason to reflect on him for that part of his conduct, in which he followed his Lord and master; whose meekness was to be seen in the assumption of human nature, in the whole of his life and conversation, and in his sufferings and death; and his "gentleness" of Spirit to be observed in his coming into this world, not to judge and condemn it, but that the world might be saved; in bearing all indignities and insults, without being provoked to wrath and revenge; in rebuking his disciples for the severity of their spirits, declaring he came to save, and not take away the lives of men; in praying for his enemies, and in his silence under all the ill treatment he met with from the worst of men. As the apostle had this excellent example before him, which served both to regulate his conduct, and support him under the hard measures he met with, so he was desirous to direct others to the observance of it, which might be a check upon the ill usage of him. He here speaks of himself in the language of his adversaries, who meant by these characters to expose him to scorn and contempt: "I Paul myself"; whose name the false teachers played upon, it signifying "little"; and he being of little stature, they reproached him for it, and would insinuate, that as his name w…
Open source ↗Here we may observe, I. The mild and humble manner in which the blessed apostle addresses the Corinthians, and how desirous he is that no occasion may be given him to use severity. 1. He addresses them in a very mild and humble manner: I Paul myself beseech you, Co2 10:1. We find, in the introduction to this epistle, he joined Timothy with himself; but now he speaks only for himself, against whom the false apostles had particularly levelled their reproaches; yet in the midst of the greatest provocations he shows humility and mildness, from the consideration of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, and desires this great example may have the same influence on the Corinthians. Note, When we find ourselves tempted or inclined to be rough and severe towards any body, we should think of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, that appeared in him in the days of his flesh, in the design of his undertaking, and in all the acts of his grace towards poor souls. How humbly also does this great apostle speak of himself, as one in presence base among them! So his enemies spoke of him with contempt, and he seems to acknowledge it; while others thought meanly, and spoke scornfully of him, he had low thoughts of himself, and spoke humbly of himself. Note, We should be sensible of our own infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us for them. 2. He is desirous that no occasion may be given to use severity, Co2 10:2. He beseeches them to give no occasion for him to be bold, or to exercise his authority against them in general, as he had resolved to do against some who unjustly charged him as walking according to the flesh, that is, regulating his conduct, even in his ministerial actions, according to carnal policy or with worldly views. This was what the apostle…
Open source ↗10:1–13:13 In this section, Paul defends his ministry as an apostle. • These chapters pose several problems arising from a distinct change of tone and style. Chapters 1–9 are full of joy stemming from the reconciliation of sinners with God and of the Corinthians with Paul. Yet from this point on, Paul is on the defensive. These chapters are full of harsh words, bitter recriminations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The remarkable break at 10:1 has inspired a number of explanations: (1) These chapters might be a separate letter, perhaps the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3-4; 7:8-9). (2) It might be that, while the majority of the church members were obedient to the appeal for reconciliation, there was still a rebellious minority to whom Paul addressed these four chapters. (3) More likely, a new situation had arisen since Titus first brought back his glowing report of restored harmony (7:5-16). In this scenario, some anti-Paul missionaries had arrived in Corinth and launched a virulent campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13-15). They claimed that Paul was no real apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to come to Corinth with the gospel message since it was territory that belonged to them (10:15-16). They brought an alien message (11:4) and exercised a domineering spirit. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13-15). Paul, concerned upon hearing of this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and engages in a form of writing that is distasteful to him (11:1, 16-17; 12:1) by boasting of his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is real and powerful, yet it is conditioned and controlled by the love exhibited by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4-10). 10:1-6 Paul states his own clear intent…
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) πρᾳότης (praiótēs, G4236) — gentleness, by implication, humility καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐπιείκεια (epieíkeia, G1932) — suitableness, i.e. (by implication) equity, mildness Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… πρόσωπον (prósōpon, G4383) — the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. δέομαι (déomai, G1189) — to beg (as binding oneself), i.e. petition μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… θαῤῥέω (tharrhéō, G2292) — to exercise courage πάρειμι (páreimi, G3918) — to be near, i.e. at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural)… πεποίθησις (pepoíthēsis, G4006) — reliance ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that λογίζομαι (logízomai, G3049) — to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively) τολμάω (tolmáō, G5111) — probably itself from the base of G5056 (τέλος) through the idea of extreme conduct); to… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. σάρξ (sárx, G4561) — flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by… στρατεύομαι (strateúomai, G4754) — to serve in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with its… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὅπλον (hóplon, G3696) — an implement or utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially, offensive for war) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us στρατεία (strateía, G4752) — military service, i.e. (figuratively) the apostolic career (as one of hardship and danger) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not σαρκικός (sarkikós, G4559) — pertaining to flesh, i.e. (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal,… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) δυνατός (dynatós, G1415) — powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… καθαίρεσις (kathaíresis, G2506) — demolition; figuratively, extinction ὀχύρωμα (ochýrōma, G3794) — a castle (figuratively, argument)
Open source ↗καθαιρέω (kathairéō, G2507) — to lower (or with violence) demolish (literally or figuratively) λογισμός (logismós, G3053) — computation, i.e. (figuratively) reasoning (conscience, conceit) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ὕψωμα (hýpsōma, G5313) — an elevated place or thing, i.e. (abstractly) altitude, or (by implication) a barrier… ἐπαίρω (epaírō, G1869) — to raise up (literally or figuratively) κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… γνῶσις (gnōsis, G1108) — knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very αἰχμαλωτίζω (aichmalōtízō, G163) — to make captive νόημα (nóēma, G3540) — a perception, i.e. purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὑπακοή (hypakoḗ, G5218) — attentive hearkening, i.e. (by implication) compliance or submission Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἕτοιμος (hétoimos, G2092) — adjusted, i.e. ready ἐκδικέω (ekdikéō, G1556) — to vindicate, retaliate, punish πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole παρακοή (parakoḗ, G3876) — inattention, i.e. (by implication) disobedience ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ὑπακοή (hypakoḗ, G5218) — attentive hearkening, i.e. (by implication) compliance or submission πληρόω (plēróō, G4137) — to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively)…
Open source ↗βλέπω (blépō, G991) — to look at (literally or figuratively) κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… πρόσωπον (prósōpon, G4383) — the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by… εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any πείθω (peíthō, G3982) — to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus λογίζομαι (logízomai, G3049) — to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing πάλιν (pálin, G3825) — (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally)… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) καυχάομαι (kaucháomai, G2744) — to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object περισσότερος (perissóteros, G4055) — more superabundant (in number, degree or character) περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ἐξουσία (exousía, G1849) — privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively)… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us
Open source ↗ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not δοκέω (dokéō, G1380) — compare the base of G1166 (δεικνύω)) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἄν (án, G302) ἐκφοβέω (ekphobéō, G1629) — to frighten utterly ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ἐπιστολή (epistolḗ, G1992) — a written message
Open source ↗ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐπιστολή (epistolḗ, G1992) — a written message μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… φημί (phēmí, G5346) — to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. speak or say βαρύς (barýs, G926) — weighty, i.e. (fig) burdensome, grave καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἰσχυρός (ischyrós, G2478) — forcible (literally or figuratively) δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. σῶμα (sōma, G4983) — the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively παρουσία (parousía, G3952) — a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or… ἀσθενής (asthenḗs, G772) — strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral) λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… ἐξουθενέω (exouthenéō, G1848)
Open source ↗λογίζομαι (logízomai, G3049) — to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively) τοιοῦτος (toioûtos, G5108) — truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality) τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because οἷος (hoîos, G3634) — such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter… ἐσμέν (esmén, G2070) — we are λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ἐπιστολή (epistolḗ, G1992) — a written message ἄπειμι (ápeimi, G548) — to be away καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act πάρειμι (páreimi, G3918) — to be near, i.e. at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural)…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… τολμάω (tolmáō, G5111) — probably itself from the base of G5056 (τέλος) through the idea of extreme conduct); to… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐγκρίνω (enkrínō, G1469) — to judge in, i.e. count among ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than συγκρίνω (synkrínō, G4793) — to judge of one thing in connection with another, i.e. combine (spiritual ideas with… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object συνιστάω (synistáō, G4921) — to set together, i.e. (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… μετρέω (metréō, G3354) — to measure (i.e. ascertain in size by a fixed standard); by implication, to admeasure… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἡμεῖς (hēmeîs, G2249) — we (only used when emphatic) καυχάομαι (kaucháomai, G2744) — to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense) οὐχί (ouchí, G3780) — not indeed εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἄμετρος (ámetros, G280) — immoderate ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… μέτρον (métron, G3358) — a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree) κανών (kanṓn, G2583) — a rule ("canon"), i.e. (figuratively) a standard (of faith and practice); by implication,… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very μερίζω (merízō, G3307) — to part, i.e. (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite,… ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὑπερεκτείνω (hyperekteínō, G5239) — to extend inordinately οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἐφικνέομαι (ephiknéomai, G2185) — to arrive upon, i.e. extend to μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) φθάνω (phthánō, G5348) — to be beforehand, i.e. anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at ἄχρι (áchri, G891) — (of time) until or (of place) up to ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.
I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus.
I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well.
Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.