Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Corinthians 10
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Corinthians 10
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Corinthians 10
"Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you: yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full." — 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 (ASV)
While others thought poorly of the apostle and spoke scornfully of him, he had humble thoughts and spoke humbly of himself. We should be aware of our own weaknesses and think humbly of ourselves, even when people reproach us. The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies and for spiritual purposes.
External force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing.
What opposition is made against the gospel by the powers of sin and Satan in human hearts! But observe the conquest the word of God gains. The appointed means, however feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through God.
And the preaching of the cross, by people of faith and prayer, has always been fatal to idolatry, impiety, and wickedness.
"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. For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame: that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account. Let such a one reckon this, that, what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such [are we] also in deed when we are present." — 2 Corinthians 10:7-11 (ASV)
In outward appearance, Paul was unimpressive and despised in the eyes of some, but this was a false rule to judge by. We must not think that an unimpressive outward appearance, as if the lack of such things proved a person not to be a real Christian, or an able, faithful minister of the lowly Savior.
"For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding. But we will not glory beyond [our] measure, but according to the measure of the province which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves overmuch, as though we reached not unto you: for we came even as far as unto you in the gospel of Christ: not glorying beyond [our] measure, [that is,] in other men`s labors; but having hope that, as your faith groweth, we shall be magnified in you according to our province unto [further] abundance, so as to preach the gospel even unto the parts beyond you, [and] not to glory in another`s province in regard of things ready to our hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." — 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 (ASV)
If we were to compare ourselves with others who excel us, this would be a good method to keep us humble. The apostle establishes a good rule for his conduct: namely, not to boast of things beyond his measure, which was the measure God had distributed to him.
There is no more fruitful source of error than to judge people and opinions by our own prejudices. How common it is for people to judge their own religious character by the opinions and maxims of the world around them! But how different is the rule of God's word!
And of all flattery, self-flattery is the worst. Therefore, instead of praising ourselves, we should strive to approve ourselves to God. In short, let us glory in the Lord our salvation, and in all other things only as evidences of his love, or means of promoting his glory. Instead of praising ourselves or seeking the praise of men, let us desire that honor which comes from God only.
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