2 Corinthians 10 explained: Paul Answers His Critics

A gentle appeal first (vv. 1-2)

Paul's critics said he was timid face to face and only brave in his letters, and he quotes their jibe back at them. He asks the church to settle things before he visits, so he will not have to confront those who say he acts from purely selfish, worldly motives.

A different kind of fight (vv. 3-6)

Paul borrows images of war, tearing down fortresses and taking prisoners, but his weapons are the truth about God, not force or manipulation. The "strongholds" are most likely the proud arguments his rivals raised, and he says he will deal firmly with ongoing defiance once most of the church has come back on side.

Letters and presence match (vv. 7-11)

Some judged by surface things like Paul's unimpressive look and plain speaking, while claiming a special tie to Christ for themselves. Paul replies that he belongs to Christ just as much, that his authority exists to build them up, and that in person he will act just as he writes.

Staying in his own field (vv. 12-16)

His rivals rated themselves by their own standards and took credit for a church Paul himself had started. Paul says he only boasts about the work God gave him, which reached as far as Corinth, and hopes their growth will free him to take the message to places beyond them.

The praise that counts (vv. 17-18)

Echoing the prophet Jeremiah, Paul says any boasting should be about what the Lord has done. Praising yourself proves nothing; what matters is whether the Lord approves.

Key verse: 2 Corinthians 10:18

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether the "strongholds" of verses 4 and 5 mean mainly human arguments and pride opposed to God, as most scholars read it, or unseen evil powers to be fought through prayer, as many popular "spiritual warfare" teachings hold.

Something to think about

When one person looks impressive and another seems plain, what do you actually rely on to decide whom to trust?