Title Apostolic Authority/2 Corinthians 10
Content Apostolic authority (2 Corinthians 10)
The last part of 2 Corinthians (chapters 10-13) contains Paul's defense of his apostleship. In these chapters he answers the accusations of the enemies in the church at Corinth. If you read Paul's response, you will see that they are lying about him.
According to the accusation, he was not a true apostle because he did not bring a letter of recommendation from Jerusalem, his motives were not sincere, and he was too weak physically to deserve respect. His letters are bold, but his character does not support them. His promises are unreliable, and so on.
One thing to keep in mind is that Paul is not here defending himself personally, but the office of the apostle, that is, the message he delivered. These lies were being promoted by false teachers who visited Corinth and took over parts of the church with false doctrines that mixed Judaism and the gospel. Paul is not only responding to his critics, but to Satan himself (11:13-15).
When Paul speaks of “bragging,” a sarcastic and sarcastic touch is added. “Those teachers who are popular with you like to brag. So I also want to win your love by brag a little about myself.” Of course, Paul's boasting is in the Lord, and he is never boasting about himself. Here, in Chapter 10, several answers are given to the accusations that his letters are powerful while he is actually weak.
1. I follow Christ's example (10:1)
The Corinthians loved to glorify men (1 Corinthians 3:21 / 1 Corinthians 4:6-7), and were being swept under the influence of Jewish preachers from Palestine. Despite their preaching of false doctrines (11:4) and abusing Christians (11:18-20), the church welcomed them, more than Paul, who founded it and risked his life for it. were raising them higher. These teachers said, “Paul is too weak. So, follow us. Because we are truly capable.”
To this, Paul responds, "If I am weak, it is not my weakness, but the meekness of Christ." Christ never “acted as lord” over men, and his power was exercised in meekness and humility. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is the ability to be controlled, the ability to be angry with sin, and the ability to willingly endure suffering for Christ's sake.
Let's not make the mistake of judging by our appearance (10:7) or thinking that we must exercise the power of God as an “energetic evangelist.” There is no substitute for Christlikeness.
2. I use spiritual weapons (10: 2 - 6)
The mere fact that Paul did not use carnal methods and was not able to exercise his power by virtue of “an intense character,” they considered him a feeble man. His weapon in fighting for God was not physical, but spiritual.
Like all, Paul “walked in the flesh,” that is, he had all the infirmities of the flesh. However, he did not rely on the wisdom of the flesh, the possibilities of men, or the strength of the flesh to fight. Moses had to learn that God's weapon was spiritual (Acts 7:20-36), and Paul taught this in Ephesians 6:10ff. In this battle, God's Word and prayer are the only effective weapons (Acts 6:4).
Disobedience was practiced in Corinth because Christians did not believe God's word of truth but believed lies. Paul suggests breaking down their arguments and false doctrines and directing their hearts and minds to a position of obedience. The problem of the church cannot be solved by reforming canon law, promoting it through some denominational tactic, or dealing with sin superficially, it can be solved by putting people to the face of God's Word.
3. I do not judge by appearance (10: 7-11)
People who judge by their appearance always focus on their appearance. Paul lived his life trying to please God and never tried to please men. And, that was all that mattered. Of course, he could have “believed in his identity and exercised his powers” and could have used the powers of the apostles, but he preferred to use those powers to nurture the church rather than destroy it. Of course, there are times when it is necessary to destroy something in order to build something truly real. How foolish Christians are to distrust Paul because they lack the physical stamina of Peter or the eloquence of Apollos! Carnal Christians are always “judging the preacher,” comparing the servants of God from one life to another. They warn that Paul will be as powerful as his letters on his next visit.
4. I let God praise me (10: 12-18)
These false teachers were members of the “Mutual Compliment Society” and compared themselves to each other. As a result, they considered themselves very highly (Matt. 5:43-48/ Galatians 6:3-4). However, Paul asks where were these great teachers when he was risking a new name to establish the church in Corinth. Those who appeared only after the hard work was over criticized the founder and took all the glory!
Paul reached out to the people of Corinth with the gospel, and he wanted them to help spread the gospel to other areas. The Jews were coming and bragging about things they had not accomplished. Paul's prerogative was to take the gospel to a place no one had been to (Romans 15:20), whereas the policy of the Jews was to invade other people's domain and ruin his work.
Paul very wisely leaves the matter of praise to the Lord. He refers to Jeremiah 9:24 in verse 17, which is also quoted in 1 Corinthians 1:31. After all, it is the Lord who gives grace to man to serve Him, and He alone knows the heart and motives. Just as Paul was willing to expect God to say, “Well done,” so should we.
As we review this chapter, we will note some important lessons for all of us to learn when it comes to Christian ministers and Christian service.
① Do not be affected by physical problems. God's greatest servant is not necessarily the most handsome and strongest man, humanly speaking. Some Christians soon feel intimidated by something like the “Hollywood movie star,” who captivates them with their impressive looks and hypnotic eloquence. This, of course, does not mean that we are deliberately indifferent or practice false humility.
② When we use spiritual weapons and tools, we achieve the most lasting work. Gathering large crowds is one thing, nurturing a church is another thing. Theatrical programs, promotion tactics through advertisements, and the ability to rely on the flesh to elevate human beings all these things may attract the attention of the flesh, but they will never receive God’s approval. We build up through prayer and the Word of God, and this takes time.
③ Do not judge before the time comes (1 Corinthians 4:5). Let God be praised. Live to receive God's approval. Then your life and ministry will be blessed.