2 Corinthians 10

1 by the meekness and gentleness of Christ. Implying, do not force me to adopt a method of treatment so unlike His gentleness.

base. “Humble.”

2. I think to be bold against some, etc. Rather, “I reckon upon being bold against some who reckon of us as walking according to the flesh.” They will find that their estimate of me is false.

3. For though we walk in the flesh, etc. The weapons we mean to use against our opponents are not carnal or worldly, but God will make them mighty to bring down proud “reasonings” into obedience to Christ, and to punish all who remain disobedient, when the rest of you are completely brought to submit (6).

4 mighty through God. Lit., “mighty before God”: “mighty in the strength of God” (Conybeare and Howson).

6 having in a readiness. Or, “being ready.”

7. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? Or, “Do you regard outward appearances?” (1). I then can appeal to external things to show you that I have as close connexion with Christ as any have.

8. For though I should boast, etc. I might, without fear of being put to shame, urge my claims further than I have ever done: but I do not, that I may not seem as if I would terrify you (9).

9 letters. The former and the present: see note on 1 Cor. v. 9.

10 say they. Rather, “saith he”; meaning, either the leader of the opposing party (11), or the “any man” (7). The language is that of a factious opponent; and it is best explained by Paul’s own words in 1 Cor. ii. 3.

12. For we dare not, etc. We are not bold enough to compare ourselves with our self-commending rivals, who, however, show no wisdom in their mutual comparisons of authority and labours. But we boast only of that work which God has measured out to us: in which you are included.

13 things without [our] measure. Or, “the things not measured out” to us, by God’s “rule” (canon), allotting various parts of service to different labourers; and so in ver. 15.

14 for we are come (we came). “We were the first to come” (R.V. marg.), in allusion to the fact that Paul was the first who preached the gospel in Corinth.

15 but having hope, etc. “But we hope, as your faith is increased among yourselves, to be enlarged according to our appointed sphere very greatly, so as to carry the gospel into the countries beyond you (see Rom. xv. 28); and not to boast as to things made ready for us in another’s allotted sphere,” as these men are doing.