week 11 day 5

Read 2 Cortinthians 10
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+10&version=NIV
Second Corinthians 10–13 successfully holds two seemingly contradictory attitudes: edification and sarcasm. Paul’s sarcastic attack on his opponents is clear throughout (10:1; 11:4, 8, 11, 19–21; 12:13, 16). But that strong offense is set within a context of the meekness and gentleness of Christ (10:1). The harsh and critical content must be read within the intentions of humble and temperate emotion. If Paul’s goal had been to put down the Corinthians and justify himself, his sarcasm could not have been called meek and gentle. But because his motives were for the upbuilding of the Corinthians (12:19), his words, though strong, were intended to nurture, not destroy.

The content of 12:19 is behind all of these words. Although some of Paul’s words could be mistaken as defensive backlashes, the clear framework of “gentleness” (10:1) and “strengthening” NIV (12:19; “upbuilding,” nasb; “edifying,” kjv) alerts the reader to the true heart and point of this section: edification.

Paul put forward the problem (10:2), the solution (12:9), and the purpose of his discussion (12:19). In this section he commended himself as an eminent apostle. However, his boasting in weakness was quite different from that of his opponents. He corrected their assertion that he lived by the standards of this world (10:2).

Also, he pointed out that his free service of ministry should not have branded him as inferior or as a person cunningly trying to cheat them. The Corinthians needed their appearance-oriented evaluation of Paul turned around (12:11). They would only be able to follow the correct pattern of godliness after they understood what made a person commendable before God (11:3).

Second Corinthians 12:19–21 is the core of this section. Paul defended himself against attacks by certain opponents and false apostles (11:3). The Corinthians had been taken in by these criticisms. As a result, their evaluation of the apostle was appearance-oriented (10:7). They were focused on external matters rather than internal issues. Paul had to defend himself against these criticisms to prevent his ministry and teaching from being undermined (13:3).

10:1–6 Paul desired no punishment for the readers (10:1–2), but he would punish those who needed it (10:3–6). On 10:5, see 1 Corinthians 1:17 concerning the opposition to the knowledge of God. This shows how the spiritual person wages war.

10:7–11 Apparently the false apostles had spread doubt about whether Paul belonged to Christ (2 Cor. 10:7, 11; 13:5). Again, Paul corrected the outward-oriented judgments (10:7; cf. 5:12). Paul boasted (10:8) because of the extravagant boasting of his opponents. He did not like to boast (cf. 10:13, 15; 12:1) but was forced to do so because of the criticism he had received. His boasts were not about what he had done, but what God had done. In the apocryphal Acts of Paul and Thecla, Paul was described as, “baldheaded, bow-legged, strongly built, a man small in size, with meeting eyebrows, with a rather large nose, full of grace, for at times he looked like a man and at times he had the face of an angel.” It is believed by some scholars that this plain and unflattering account embodies a very early tradition.

10:12–18 All of Paul’s boasting and commendation were based on what the Lord gave him. His opponents commended themselves (10:12–18). Paul quoted Jeremiah 9:24 to reinforce this idea (10:17; cf. 1 Cor. 1:31). The words of 2 Corinthians 10:17–18 should have been enough, but the situation in Corinth was out of hand. Paul had to continue. The subject returns to that of 3:1 and 5:12.

Discussion question
How do you feel about Paul’s reprimand in defense of himself? Do you see it as a strength or weakness when a person admits his or her limitations?

Reflection question

On a scale of 1-10 how do you demonstrate Christ’s gentleness and meekness in leading others? What can you do this week that can build others up?