There is a noticeable change of emphasis in 2 Corinthians 10-13 causing some to believe that these chapters do not belong at the end of the letter (but at the beginning) or that these words should be attached to Paul’s “severe letter” spoken of in 2 Corinthians 2:4. The first nine chapters are primarily a defense of Paul’s apostolic authority against false teachers and also instructions to the Corinthians regarding the offering for the poor believers in Jerusalem. These chapters are addressed to those Corinthian Christians who had repented and remained loyal to Paul; however, the last four chapters of 2 Corinthians are best understood as Paul’s words to those who were still questioning his authority and remained deceived by the false teachers in Corinth. He offered these words as a challenge to, once again, return to a devotion to Jesus Christ and his chosen apostle.
Paul began his address to those who were not loyal to him by asking them to repent so he would not be forced to confront them in boldness when he came to them (10:1-2). In order to discredit him, the false teachers accused Paul of walking in the flesh (10:2b). Although Paul acknowledged walking in the physical flesh, he reminded them that he did not fight his battles with weapons such as human reasoning and empty words (10:3). Instead, Paul used spiritual weapons which were given strength through the power of God and they were capable of ”pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (10:4-6). Paul was prepared to battle these false teachers with the power of God knowing that He could free the Corinthians from these deceptive men.
These teachers seemingly taught that they were apostles of Jesus Christ (10:7; 11:23), which brought confusion to some in the Corinthian church. It is possible that they were Jews (11:22) who came from Jerusalem demanding the circumcision of the Gentiles and obedience to the law of Moses (Acts 15:5). Whatever they were teaching, Paul referred to it as an erroneous gospel (11:4). Paul also challenged the Corinthians to accept his authority as being from God (10:8-11) and reject the false teachers’ claims to Christ. The measurement of their authority was based on human standards and man-made systems, which were bogus benchmarks (10:12). Paul refused to boast in human accomplishments. He would only pride himself in what God had accomplished through him and what was yet to be done (10:13-16). This outlook on his authority caused Paul to write, “But he who glories, let him glory in the Lord . For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends” (10:17-18). The false teachers boasted in themselves, while Paul found his fulfillment in God’s commendation. If the Corinthians were going to return their loyalty to God, they would need to see through the false teachers’ selfish motivations and claims to authority. This was Paul’s greatest desire.
Dear God, make me discerning in my loyalties so that I may be faithful to You alone.
