John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 10:7

"Ye look at the things that are before your face. If any man trusteth in himself that he is Christ`s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ`s, so also are we." — 2 Corinthians 10:7 (ASV)

That are according to appearance. In the first place, the clause according to appearance may be taken in two ways: either as meaning the reality itself, visible and manifest, or an outward mask that deceives us. The sentence, too, may be read either interrogatively or affirmatively; furthermore, the verb βλέπετε may be taken either in the imperative mood or in the subjunctive. I am rather of the opinion, however, that it is expressive of chiding, and that the Corinthians are reproved because they allowed their eyes to be dazzled by empty show. “You greatly esteem others who swell out with mighty airs of importance, while you look down upon me, because I have nothing of show and boasting.” For Christ himself contrasts the judgment that is according to appearance with righteous judgment (John 7:24 and John 8:15). Therefore, he reproves the Corinthians because, contenting themselves with show or appearance, they did not seriously consider what kind of people should be regarded as the servants of Christ.

If anyone trusts in himself — an expression full of great confidence, for he takes it, as it were, for granted that he is so certainly a minister of Christ that this distinction cannot be taken from him. “Whoever,” says he, “desires to be regarded as a minister of Christ, must necessarily count me in along with himself.” For what reason?

“Let him,” says he, “think for himself, for whatever things he may have in himself that make him worthy of such an honor, he will find the same in me.” By this he hinted to them that whoever might revile him should not be regarded as servants of Christ.

It would not be fitting for everyone to speak so confidently, for it might certainly happen — indeed, it happens every day — that the same claim is arrogantly made by people of no reputation, who are nothing but a dishonor to Christ. Paul, however, affirmed nothing about himself except what he had openly demonstrated by clear and sure evidence among the Corinthians.

Now, if anyone, while destitute of all proof of the reality, should recommend himself in a similar manner, what would he do but expose himself to ridicule? To trust in oneself is equivalent to assuming for oneself power and authority on the pretext that he serves Christ, while he desires to be held in high regard.