Keraia
2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10:4

Paul’s Apostolic Authority · 2 Corinthians 10:1–18
Read 2 Corinthians 10

Translations

Modern
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
Traditional
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Literal
For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful before God toward the tearing down of strongholds,
Latin
Nam arma militiæ nostræ non carnalia sunt, sed potentia Deo ad destructionem munitionum, consilia destruentes,

Original

Greek
English
The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Notes

2 Corinthians 10:3–5

A military metaphor strengthens Paul's argument that Paul's weapons have divine power over spiritual strongholds (see 4:3–4).

2 Corinthians 10:1–6

Paul clearly states his intentions and sincerity by defending himself against accusations of acting from human motives.

2 Corinthians 10:1–13:13

  • In this section, Paul defends his role as an apostle.

  • These chapters present several issues due to a noticeable change in tone and style. Chapters 1–9 express joy from sinners reconciling with God and the Corinthians reconciling with Paul. However, from this point, Paul becomes defensive. These chapters contain harsh words, bitter accusations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The significant shift at 10:1 has led to various explanations:

    1. These chapters might be a separate letter, possibly the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3–4; 7:8–9).

    2. It could be that while most church members obeyed the call for reconciliation, a rebellious minority remained, and Paul addressed these four chapters to them.

    3. More likely, a new situation arose after Titus reported restored harmony (7:5–16). In this case, some anti-Paul missionaries arrived in Corinth and started a strong campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13–15). They claimed Paul was not a true apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to bring the gospel message to Corinth, as it was their territory (10:15–16). They brought a foreign message (11:4) and had a domineering attitude. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13–15). Paul, worried about this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and writes in a way he dislikes (11:1, 16–17; 12:1) by boasting about his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is genuine and powerful, yet it is guided by the love shown by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) God as Holy Warrior

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Letter to the Ephesians Power Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Anointing your Home Armor: Figurative Bad Thoughts Battlefield of the Mind Blessing: Spiritual, from God Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Deliverance Ministry Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Guns Illuminati Jesus, the Christ: Kingdom of Its Nature Military Arms: Spiritual Weapons Negative Thinking Obsession Paranoia Pressure Renewing your Mind Spiritual Warfare Strongholds Struggles The Battle is the Lord's Trust of Saints Is: Not in Carnal Weapons War: Mighty Through God War: Not Carnal Warfare Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Mighty Through God Warfare of Saints: Armour For: Not Carnal Weapons of Warfare