2 Corinthians 10:8

2 Corinthians 10:8

6 ^aand being ready to punish all disobedience when ^byour obedience is fulfilled.

Reality of Paul’s Authority

7 ^aDo you look at things according to the outward appearance? ^bIf anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even¹ so ^cwe are Christ’s.

8 For even if I should boast somewhat more ^aabout our authority, which the Lord gave¹ us for edification and not for your destruction, ^bI shall not be ashamed—

9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters.

10 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but ^ahis bodily presence is weak, and his ^bspeech contemptible.”

11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

Limits of Paul’s Authority

12 ^aFor we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

13 ^aWe, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.

Commentaries:

Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown

<< 2 Corinthians 10:7

2 Corinthians 10:9 >>

"For even if I were to boast somewhat more exceedingly (than I do, II Corinthians 10:3-6) of our (apostolic) authority (II Corinthians 10:6; II Corinthians 13:10) . . . I should not be put to shame (by the fact; as I should be if my authority proved to be without foundation: my threats of punishment not being carried into effect)."

for edification . . . not for . . . destruction—Greek, "for building up . . . not for . . . CASTING DOWN" (the same Greek as in II Corinthians 10:5): the image of a building as in II Corinthians 10:4-5. Though we "cast down reasonings," this is not in order to destroy, but really to build up ("edify"), by removing those things which are hindrances to edification, and testing what is unsound, and putting together all that is true in the building [CHRYSOSTOM].

**Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing 2 Corinthians 10:8:**

Acts 20:3
1 Corinthians 1:12
2 Corinthians 10:4
1 Timothy 1:20

<< 2 Corinthians 10:7

2 Corinthians 10:9 >>

DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.

Join 137,059+ readers

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning

Consistent Bible study is hard to start.

The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.

Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.

Reality of Paul’s Authority

Limits of Paul’s Authority