FocusAuthority directed toward obedience
Connection to the wholePaul answers criticism of his manner by describing a warfare and authority that address thoughts and disobedience rather than relying on fleshly force.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 10:4
KJV(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Read it in context
Paul's Defense of His Apostolic Authority and Spiritual Warfare
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 10:1 (2 Corinthians 10:1 to 2 Corinthians 10:18).
This section begins with Paul's direct address, defending his ministry and authority against critics, and establishing the spiritual nature of his 'warfare' and 'weapons'.
- 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
- 10:2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
- 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
- 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
- 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
- 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
- 10:7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
- 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
- 10:9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
- 10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
- 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
- 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
- 10:13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
- 10:14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
- 10:15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
- 10:16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
- 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
- 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14): Paul answers challenges to his ministry among the Corinthians and warns the church before his next visit. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the spiritual nature of the apostle Paul's warfare and ministry. His 'weapons' are not worldly ('carnal'), but are powerful 'through God' for destroying spiritual 'strong holds' and human pride that opposes the knowledge of God.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing that His servants engage in a spiritual warfare, not a physical one, and that the power for victory comes from Him to overcome spiritual strongholds and human thoughts that exalt themselves against His knowledge.
- What is the literary style? This passage is part of an epistle, characterized by Paul's defense of his apostolic authority and ministry methods, using argumentative and instructional language.
When
- When was it written? It was written around A.D. 56. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described occur during Paul's third missionary journey, reflecting his ongoing ministry and challenges with the Corinthian church. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The 'warfare' described is spiritual, not tied to a specific physical location, but pertains to the spiritual battles faced in ministry among the Corinthians and beyond. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? Paul was located in Macedonia when he wrote this epistle. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Defense of His Apostolic Authority and Spiritual Warfare (2 Corinthians 10:1 to 2 Corinthians 10:18). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 10:1. This section begins with Paul's direct address, defending his ministry and authority against critics, and establishing the spiritual nature of his 'warfare' and 'weapons'.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse explains the nature of the 'warfare' mentioned in verse 3, clarifying that Paul and his companions do not 'war after the flesh.' It introduces the spiritual power and purpose of their ministry, which is further elaborated in verse 5 with the casting down of 'imaginations' and bringing 'every thought to the obedience of Christ.' stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The passage points to Christ by emphasizing that the spiritual weapons are 'mighty through God' for the purpose of bringing 'every thought to the obedience of Christ' (2 Corinthians 10:5). The spiritual warfare is ultimately about establishing the knowledge and authority of God, who is Christ, in the hearts and minds of people. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to engage in spiritual warfare, not with worldly methods or physical force, but with spiritual power that comes from God. This means relying on God's strength to overcome spiritual strongholds, false ideas, and prideful thoughts that oppose the truth of God and His word in our own lives and in the world around us. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 10:1, 2 Corinthians 10:3, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 2 Corinthians 10:5
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- the weapons 2 Cor 6:7 Rom 6:13 Rom 13:12 Eph 6:13-18 1 Thess 5:8
- our 1 Tim 1:18 2 Tim 2:3
- mighty 2 Cor 3:5 2 Cor 4:7 2 Cor 13:3-4 Judg 7:13-23 Judg 15:14-16 1 Sam 17:45-50 Ps 110:2 Isa 41:14-16
- to the Josh 6:20 Isa 30:25 Jer 1:10 Heb 11:30
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 10
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
The proper measure of ministry
2 Corinthians 10:7–18FocusThe Lord's commendation
Connection to the wholePaul challenges comparisons and boasting, locating his work within the sphere entrusted to him and the commendation that comes from the Lord.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Comfort and Paul's relationship to the church
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:13FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation The ministry entrusted to Paul
2 Corinthians 2:14–7:16FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation The collection
2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.