2 Coríntios 10

2 Coríntios 10

Constable has a very practical comment writing that Paul "wanted to do that only after the whole church had made a clean break with the rebels in its midst. If the church would not stand with him in disciplining his unrepentant opponents, his discipline would not be effective. Unless any church as a whole is willing to support the discipline of its member or members, the discipline that its leaders seek to impose will be ineffective. Murray Harris - If circumstances forced Paul to turn from "meekness and gentleness" to a stern assertion of his authority, from appeal to discipline, his plan of action was in two stages. First, there was the need to bring the Corinthians' obedience to completion (cf. 2:9; 7:15). This would be achieved when they dissociated themselves from the interlopers, fully recognized Paul's apostolic authority, and made a total break with idolatry (6:14-7:1). Second, there was the punishment of "every act of disobedience" performed by his adversaries from Palestine or by any Corinthians who remained insubordinate. Precisely what form the punishment would take cannot be known. Only after securing a firm base in the Corinthian church would Paul risk a face-to-face confrontation with those who still opposed him. Unless a church as a whole is willing to recognize and support spiritual discipline, that discipline will remain largely ineffective. Another important principle emerges when vv. 5 and 6 are compared. Obedience to Christ entails submission to his appointed representatives. (1 and 2 Corinthians The Expositor's Bible Commentary) Warren