2 Coríntios 10
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 10
Wiersbe - The Corinthians loved to glory in men (1Co 3:21 and 1Co 4:6–7) and were “swept off their feet” by the Judaizing preachers from Palestine. Even though they were preaching a false doctrine (2Co 11:4) and taking advantage of the Christians (2Co 11:18–20), they were welcomed by the church and honored above Paul, who had founded the church and risked his life for it. “Paul is so weak!” these teachers said, as they lorded it over the church. “Follow us, because we display real power!” “If I am weak,” Paul replied, “it is not weakness—it is the meekness of Christ” (see v. 1). Christ never “lorded it over” people; His power was exercised in meekness and humility. Meekness is not weakness; meekness is power under control, the ability to be angry at sin, yet willing to suffer abuse for the sake of Christ. Let’s not make the mistake of judging after the outward appearance (2Co 10:7) and thinking that some “powerhouse preacher” is necessarily displaying the power of God. (Ibid) BOLD IN LETTERS TIMID IN PERSON I who am meek (tapeinos) when face (prosopon) to face with you, but (present tense - continually) bold (tharrheo) toward you when absent! - Plummer = "I, whom you accuse of grovelling when face to face with you, and of being fearlessly outspoken only when I am far away." Message - "I hear that I’m being painted as cringing and wishy-washy when I’m with you, but harsh and demanding when at a safe distance writing letters." The Greek word translated meek (tapeinos) is usually used in a positive sense in the NT but in this context it is used in the negative sense meaning servile, abject, subservient. And so Paul's adversaries took his Christ-like meekness and turned it against him claiming he was "groveling" when he was face to face with the Corinthians. Barton - Paul's critics saw this as (ED: PRESUMED) duplicity and an indication that Paul truly didn't possess the spiritual authority he claimed. Chapters 10 through 13 are Paul's direct response to his critics in Corinth. (1 & 2 Corinthians Life Application Bible Commentary) John
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Wiersbe - This (2Co 10:3-5) reveals what spiritual warfare is all about. Because the Corinthians (led by the false teachers) judged Paul's ministry by the outward appearance, they completely missed the power that was there. They were evaluating things "according to the flesh" (2Cor. 10:2) and not according to the Spirit. The Judaizers, like some "great religious personalities" today, impressed the people with their overpowering abilities, their oratorical powers, and their "commendations" from church leaders. Paul took a different approach; for, though he was as human as anyone else, he did not depend on the human but on the divine, the spiritual weapons provided by the Lord. His warfare was not according to the flesh, because he was not fighting against flesh and blood (see Ep 6:10ff). You cannot fight spiritual battles with carnal weapons. (The Bible Exposition Commentary) For - Explaining what we do not war according to the flesh. The weapons (hoplon) of our warfare are not (ou-absolutely not) of the flesh (sarx), but divinely (theos) powerful (dunatos) for the destruction (kathairesis) of fortresses (ochuroma - NET = "arguments", NLT = "False arguments") - Weapons obviously refers to spiritual weapons, supernatural weapons supplied by the Spirit (cf Word and prayer - Eph 6:17-18+). The word for warfare (strateia) does not refer to a single skirmish, a minor battle in war, but to a major campaign (see military campaign), in fact a life long campaign for Paul and for every believer! The only way to destroy enemy fortresses is by reliance on supernatural weaponry. Fleshly weapons are powerless against these formidable fortresses. Paul goes on in the next verse to define specifically what these fortresses are -- they are speculations, and in so doing he identifies the primary battlefield for this spiritual war. Never forget that your mind is the battleground! Arthur writes "Satan knows if he can capture your mind, he can capture your body. Isn’t this the purpose of brainwashing prisoners? Brainwash them, and you can do with them as you please! (This is illustrated strongly, by the way, in another good war movie, The Manchurian Candidate.) (As Silver Refined) For as he thinks within himself, so he is. R Kent Hughes on fortresses (ochuroma) (strongholds) - Every fortified city had strongholds, bulwarks that were particularly impregnable. “Strongholds” references the central arguments that fortify his opponents’ message. Paul’s gospel has “divine power” to demolish impregnable arguments. (2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness) Adrian Rogers says the fortresses (strongholds in KJV) "These are walls of resistance which must be pulled down. There are strongholds of sin, arrogance, ignorance and despair. Inside these strongholds are the organized, mobilized, demonized forces of hell." P E
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Wiersbe - Moses had to learn that God’s weapons are spiritual (Acts 7:20–36+) and Paul taught this principle in Eph. 6:10ff. The Word of God and prayer are the only effective weapons in this battle against Satan (Acts 6:4+). (Bible Exposition Commentary) Hodge in explaining fortresses (strongholds) writes that "The opponents of the Gospel felt that they were so entrenched, so protected by the fortresses that they occupied, that they despised the ministers of Christ and derided their efforts. In what follows, the apostle tells us what these strongholds were. (2 Corinthians 10 Commentary)
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Wiersbe - When I was pastoring in Chicago, I met weekly with three pastor friends, and together we united in "warfare praying." We claimed God's promise to cast down the wrong thinking that was keeping people from surrendering to God; and God did great things in the lives of many people for whom we interceded. Once the walls in the mind have been torn down, the door to the heart can be opened. (Bible Exposition Commentary) Ready (2092) hetoimos from an old noun heteos = fitness) means ready, prepared, in a state of readiness. TDNT - The clear meaning of this word group is preparation both in the active sense of “making ready” and in the passive of “readiness,” “ability” or “resolution.” Punish (take revenge) (1556) ekdikeo from ek = out or from + dike = right, justice; see cognates = ekdikesis and ekdikos) is literally that which proceeds from justice. The idea is to vindicate one's right or to do one justice. to inflict appropriate penalty for wrong done (of special significance in an honor/shame-oriented society) punish, take vengeance for (2Cor 10:6, Lxx - Dt 32:43); 6v in NT - Lk. 18:3; Lk. 18:5; Rom. 12:19; 2 Co. 10:6; Rev. 6:10; Rev. 19:2 Disobedience (3876) parakoe from para = beside + akouo = hear) is literally "hearing aside" or "a hearing amiss." It was originally used of flawed hearing, then what might be called half–hearted listening, and finally the attitude of purposefully filtering out what the hearer did not want to hear. It is about closing one’s ears to God’s voice and as such describes an active disobedience which follows this inattentive or careless hearing. Each of the 3 NT uses speak of a volitional (with deliberate intent) “unwillingness to hear,” which results in disobedience. Complete (4137) pleroo means to be filled (passive voice = saints acted on by outside force = "Divine Passive") to the brim (a net, Mt 13:48, a building, Jn 12:3, Acts 2:2+, a city, Acts 5:28+, needs Phil 4:19+), to make complete in every particular, to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally, to flood, to diffuse throughout, to pervade, to take possession of and so to ultimately to control. 2 Corinthians 10:7 You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ's, so also are we. AMP Look at [this obvious fact] which is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him reflect and remind himself that even as he is Christ’s, so too are we. KJV 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. NET You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: Just as he himself belongs to Christ, so too do we. ESV Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we. CSB Look at what is obvious. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, let him remind himself of this: Just as he belongs to Christ, so do we. NLT Look at the obvious facts. Those who say they belong to Christ must recognize that we belong to Christ as much as they do The Living Bible The trouble with you is that you look at me and I seem weak and powerless, but you don’t look beneath the surface. Yet if anyone can claim the power and authority of Christ, I certainly can. NEB Look facts in the face. Someone is convinced, is he, that he belongs to Christ? Let him think again, and reflect that we belong to Christ as much as he does. MLB:BV Take a look at what you are facing. If someone is confident that he belongs to Christ, let him ponder this, that we are Christ’s as well as he. NRSV Look at what is before your eyes. If you are confident that you belong to Christ, remind yourself of this, that just as you belong to Christ, so also do we. Phillips Do look at things which stare you in the face! So-and-so considers himself to belong to Christ. All right; but let him reflect that we belong to Christ every bit as much as he. You are looking at things as they are outwardly.: 2Co 10:1 *marg: 2Co 5:12 1Sa 16:7 Mt 23:5 Lu 16:15 Joh 7:24 Ro 2:28,29 If anyone is confident in himself : 1Co 3:23 14:37 15:23 Ga 3:29 just as he is Christ's, so also are we.: 2Co 5:12 11:4,18,23 12:11 13:3 1Co 9:1 Ga 1:11-13 2:5-9 1Jn 4:6 Related Passage: 1 Corinthians 14:37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. DON'T JUST EVALUATE MY CRITICS SUPERFICIALLY Paul now moves on from the military metaphors and in fact begins to engage directly in spiritual warfare. Lowery gives some background - Who these opponents were can only be answered tentatively. Apparently they were Jews (11:22) but where they came from is not known. They believed themselves apostles of Christ (10:7; 11:23), a claim Paul rejected (11:13). They brought letters of recommendation (3:1), indulged in self-commendation (10:18), and identified themselves with certain so-called "super-apostles" (cf. 11:5). (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) You are looking at things as they are outwardly - Looking is best interpreted as a command. Paul is calling for the Corinthians to consider the evidence, focusing on what is obvious, and in this way they would be able to discern if he or his opponents belonged to Christ (as they claimed in the next part of the passage). "Look at what is patently obvious!" "‘Look at the facts; not what these teachers say, but what you all can see." (Plummer) The Corinthians were looking at external attributes of Paul's adversaries, analyzing them on a fleshly or worldly level. Clearly his opponents sought to cast doubt on his apostleship. Paul is telling the Corinthians in effect to examine "beneath the surface" which should have stirred their minds to recall that even they themselves were the "seal of his apostleship in the Lord." (1Co 9:2) Broomall - Evidently some at Corinth measured a man by outward appearance (cf. 1 Cor 1:12; 3:3, 4). (2 Corinthians 10)
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Wiersbe - Some friends and I once listened to a man preach whose entire sermon was made up of impressive "big words," an occasional quotation from the Bible (usually taken out of context), and many references to world events and "the signs of the times." As we left the meeting, one of my friends said, "First Kings 19:11 describes that performance perfectly: 'The Lord was not in the wind.'" Yet people around us were saying that it was "the most wonderful sermon" they had ever heard. I seriously doubt that ten minutes later, they were able to recall one concrete thing that the preacher had said. (Bible Exposition Commentary)
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Wiersbe - How to Measure Spiritual Ministry (2 Cor. 10:12-18) I suppose more problems have been caused by people "measuring the ministry" than by any other activity in the church. If the work of the church is the work of God, and if the work of God is a miracle, how do we go about measuring a miracle? In His personal examination of the seven churches named in Revelation 2-3, the Lord Jesus measured them far differently than they measured themselves. The church that thought it was poor, He considered to be rich; and the church that boasted of its wealth, He declared to be poor (Rev. 2:8-11; 3:14-22). Some people measure ministry only by statistics. While it is true that the early church did take note of numbers (Acts 2:41; 4:4), it is also true that uniting with the church at that time was a much more difficult (and dangerous) thing (see Acts 5:13). Some years ago, one of America's large denominations had as its theme, "A Million More in '64, and Every One a Tither!" I heard one of their leading preachers comment, "If we get a million more like the last million, God help us!" Quantity is no guarantee of quality. (Bible Exposition Commentary) David Jeremiah - COMPARED WITH WHAT? 2 CORINTHIANS 10:12NIV We do not care to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. I’m always a little surprised when I hear someone comment that they cannot understand why God would do something for Mr. and Mrs. Someone and not for them. But the comment that shocks me is when they say, “It isn’t fair.” The hard truth is, we ought to be asking why God would ever do anything for any of us. As Jeremiah wrote, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22). The only thing we “deserve” is His wrath. Whatever talent or ability we may develop or position we may achieve, it is only because of God’s great grace. I love Paul’s gentle sarcasm when he writes: “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV). Today, thank Him for who you are and every blessing He has provided. (Sanctuary: Finding Moments of Refuge in the Presence of God) Compare (4793)(sunkrino from sun = with + krino = judge) means to join together, combine (1Co 2:13 = "combing"), to interpret, to compare. (1) of things brought together for explanation interpret, explain, combine (1Co 2.13); (2) of persons set together for comparison (2Co 10:12), (Friberg Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament)) Only 2 NT uses - 1 Co. 2:13; 2 Co. 10:12. Uses in Septuagint - Gen. 40:8; Gen. 40:16; Gen. 40:22; Gen. 41:12; Gen. 41:13; Gen. 41:15; Num. 15:34; Dan. 5:7; Dan. 5:12; Da 5:16 Sunkrinō is found frequently in classical literature meaning “to combine or bring into combination, to compare,” and rarely, “to interpret.” The former meaning is found in Aristotle’s Metaphysics in terms of the combination of the basic elements. The second meaning is also found in Aristotle, among others, and has more of the suggestion of comparing things nearly equal (so also Büchsel, “sunkrinō,” Kittel, 3:953). In the papyri the word is preserved mainly in judicial documents where sunkrinō basically has the idea of “to decide” (cf. Moulton-Milligan) in terms of giving a decision to a case. The translation “to interpret” occurs in the Septuagint where sunkrinō is used to translate the Hebrew pāthar, “to interpret” or “to solve.” This meaning is found primarily in the Joseph narrative in Genesis (40:8, 16, 22; 41:12, 13, 15) and in Daniel (5:7, there translating the Aramaic form of the verb, pᵉshar). In Genesis 40 and 41 Joseph interpreted a series of dreams first for his fellow prisoners and then for Pharaoh. In Daniel 5:7 King Belshazzar asked his court magicians to interpret the writing on the wall. They were unable to do so, but recommended Daniel as one known for his “interpretations” (Daniel 5:12, sunkrimata). In the apocryphal books sunkrinō occurs in Wisdom of Solomon 7:29; 15:18; and 1 Maccabees 10:71. In Wisdom 7:29 wisdom is “compared” to the sun and found superior. In 15:18 the word is translated in the RSV as “judged,” but carries a sense of comparison (and the results found wanting). Similarly, in 1 Maccabees 10:71 the governor, Apollonius, challenges Jonathan, the Jewish leader, to “match” forces in open battle. Again, the sense of comparison remains. This latter sense is clearly the point in 2 Corinthians 10:12. Paul here used enkrinein (see 1462) and sunkrinein together. The former has the idea of “classing someone with someone.” In the second part of the verse metrountes and sunkrinontes are used in parallel—meaning “measuring” and “comparing.” The point is that Paul did not want to “class” or “measure” himself by his rival’s standards for themselves. They, indeed, “compared” themselves to themselves and had scope for boasting, while Paul measured himself according to the limits God had set for him, and preferred to talk about his hope for God’s commendation (2 Corinthians 10:13ff.). The other New Testament occurrence of sunkrinō is not nearly so clear. In 1 Corinthians 2:13 Paul contrasted the wisdom and knowledge given by the Spirit with wisdom gained through human teachings and logic. He described this Spirit-taught wisdom as pneumatikois pneumatika sunkrinontes. Two problems exist here—the meaning of pneumatikois (either “with spiritual things” or “to spiritual men”) and the meaning of the participle sunkrinontes (either “interpreting” or “comparing”). The verse could be read “interpreting spiritual things to spiritual people” or “comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” Because the constant emphasis in 1 Corinthians 1 and 2 is the distinction between the world of human wisdom and thinking, the idea of “comparing” is certainly possible. Still, the emphasis on teaching and understanding what is taught in 1 Corinthians 2:1–12 probably best supports the RSV translation, “interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the Spirit” (see Barrett, Harper’s New Testament Commentaries, First Corinthians, p.76). Measure (3354) metreo means (1). take the dimensions of, measure literally (Rev 11:1f; Rev 21:15–17) or figuratively (2 Cor 10:12) and (2) give out, deal out, apportion (Mt 7:2; Mk 4:24; Lk 6:38) English = metric. The nine occurrences of metreō in the New Testament reflect a variety of usages. In the Synoptics, metreō is used figuratively as a “measure” of judgment. Jesus warned His disciples not to judge others, for the attitude they had toward others would affect the divine judgment they would receive (Matthew 7:2; Mark 4:24; Luke 6:38). Paul’s use of metreō reflects a similar figurative sense as found in the Synoptics. In Revelation each use of metreo describes a “measure” of space (e.g., the “temple of God,” Rev 11:1; the “new Jerusalem,” Rev 21:15–17). The Right Comparison Comparing themselves among themselves, [they] are not wise. —2 Corinthians 10:12 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 When I was working my way through school, I washed walls and windows in people’s homes. At one new job, a 4-foot-tall man greeted me at the door. He told me he had to hire someone to clean his windows because they were too high for him to reach. Although I’m only 5′ 7″, in his home I felt like a giant. In God’s eyes, of course, our physical stature means nothing. Some people in the church mistakenly think of themselves as spiritual giants. These “big fish in a small pond” may feel they are superior because of their position. Of this misguided self-promotion, Paul wrote, “Comparing themselves among themselves, [they] are not wise” (2 Cor. 10:12). Others may feel their spiritual growth is stunted because they don’t play a visible role. This is also wrong. Sometimes those who are growing the most may feel inferior to those who maintain a hypocritical façade of legalistic perfection. Spiritual comparisons are always unwise. Only the Lord is the true judge of spiritual growth. Comparing your life with someone you see Is not a fulfilling quest, For Jesus’ own words are “Follow Me.” And that’s how to know life’s best. —Hess No deception is more dangerous than self-deception. Compared With What? We dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. —2 Cor. 10:12 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 I remember that when I was in the 6th grade I used to look with admiration and awe at high school football players. They were old enough to be heroes, and as far as I was concerned they were the biggest, fastest, and toughest guys around. But now I realize that it all depends on whose team you’re playing for. Compared with the college or professional athletes of today, those fellows don’t even rate. Most things in life are like that. Whether we are healthy, muscular, attractive, or successful is relative. It all depends. With whom are we comparing ourselves? So, with whom are we measuring ourselves as Christians? According to the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 10, we make a big mistake if we try to feel good about ourselves by comparing ourselves with the people around us (v.12). There’s no future in that kind of thinking. You see, ultimately the value and meaning of anything in life depends on how the Lord sees us. Paul wrote that it’s not the one who commends himself who is approved, “but whom the Lord commends” (v.18). It’s God’s judgment that really matters. Just live your life before your Lord, It matters not what others do— Your actions will be weighed by Him Who metes out judgment just and true. —Roe If you must compare yourself with someone, compare yourself with Christ. Growth Chart The growth chart had slipped from the playroom wall because the tape on its corners had become dry and brittle. Five-year-old Jordan hung it up again, meticulously working to get it straight. Then he stood his sister against the wall to measure her height. “Mommy! Mommy! Anneke is forty inches tall!” he shouted as he burst into the kitchen. “I measured her.” His mom replied, “That’s impossible, Sweetheart. She’s only 3 years old. Let’s go see.” They walked back into the playroom, where the mother’s suspicions were confirmed. Despite his efforts to hang the chart straight, Jordan had failed to set it at the proper height. It was several inches low. We easily make Jordan’s mistake in gauging our spiritual growth or importance. Compared to a shortened scale, we may appear better than we are. Only when we stand against the Cross, that “great leveler or men” as A. T. Robertson called it, can we not think of ourselves “more highly than we ought to think.” Christ, himself, must be our standard. Robert H. Heijermans, FEAR GOD - But they, measuring … and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12). A little boy announced to his mother, "I'm like Goliath. I'm nine feet tall." "What makes you say that?" asked his mother. The tyke replied, "Well, I made a little ruler and measured myself with it, and I am nine feet tall!" Although the child's measurements were accurate, his ruler was defective. He was like many people who fail to see their need of salvation because they measure themselves by a faulty standard. By looking at their peers and comparing their own behavior with others who have done worse than they have, they conclude that they are not so bad after all. But such pride is demolished when people compare themselves with a perfect standard of righteousness. When the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord in all His glory, he ex-claimed, "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts". (Isaiah 6:5). And according to Romans 3:23 , we all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. These two verses reveal how we measure up spiritually in God's sight. If we could merit our own salvation, Christ would not have died to provide it. 2 Corinthians 10:13 But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. NIV We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. AMP We, on the other hand, will not boast beyond our legitimate province and proper limit, but will keep within the limits [of our commission which] God has allotted us as our measuring line and which reaches and includes even you. NLT We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you. Phillips No, we shall not make any wild claims, but simply judge ourselves by that line of duty which God has marked out for us, and that line includes our work on your behalf. NRSV We, however, will not boast beyond limits, but will keep within the field that God has assigned to us, to reach out even as far as you. NEB With us there will be no attempt to boast beyond our proper sphere; and our sphere is determined by the limit God laid down for us, which permitted us to come as far as Corinth. NET But we will not boast beyond certain limits, but will confine our boasting according to the limits of the work to which God has appointed us, that reaches even as far as you. The Living Bible But we will not boast of authority we do not have. Our goal is to measure up to God’s plan for us, and this plan includes our working there with you. The Message We aren’t making outrageous claims here. We’re sticking to the limits of what God has set for us. But there can be no question that those limits reach to and include you. we will not: 2Co 10:15 Pr 25:14 according: 2Co 10:14 Mt 25:15 Ro 12:6 15:20 1Co 12:11 Eph 4:7 1Pe 4:10 rule: or, line, Ps 19:4 Isa 28:17 Ro 10:18 Related Passages: Acts 9:15 (PAUL'S SPHERE OF MINISTRY) (But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; Acts 22:21 (PAUL'S SPHERE OF MINISTRY) “And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Romans 1:5 (PAUL'S SPHERE OF MINISTRY) through Whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, Romans 11:13 (PAUL'S SPHERE OF MINISTRY) But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 1 Timothy 2:7 (PAUL'S SPHERE OF MINISTRY) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 2 Timothy 1:11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. RESIST INACCURATE EXAGGERATIONS But - Paul contrasts himself with his opponents who were commending themselves. THOUGHT - Spiritual principle from this passage = do not make exaggerations about your ministry. MacArthur gives some background - False teachers tend to be megalomaniacs, who become enraged at those who would limit their grandiose designs. They continually seek to widen their influence and gain greater prestige, fame, and wealth. To that end, they often overstate or even falsify their qualifications and gifts. The false apostles presented the Corinthians with a rather amazing resumé. They claimed greater power, erudition, oratorical skills, and influence than Paul. They then used those phony credentials to gain influence in the Corinthian assembly. (2 Corinthians Commentary) We will not boast (kauchaomai) beyond our measure - Phillips = "No, we shall not make any wild claims." The implication is that his opponent boasting was "out of control." For example, they may have been taking credit for spiritual effects in the church to which they had made no contribution. Paul would make no boast that was not true in an attempt to fight off the lies and exaggerations of the false teachers. Gilbrant - They refused to recognize they had entered into other men's labors. Not even the 12 apostles could claim their work was totally of themselves. Jesus said to them, "I sent you to reap that whereupon ye bestowed no labor" (John 4:38). Wiersbe - Churches and ministers are not competing with each other; they are competing with themselves. God is not going to measure us on the basis of the gifts and opportunities that He gave to Charles Spurgeon or Billy Sunday. He will measure my work by what He assigned to me. God requires faithfulness above everything else (1 Cor. 4:2). There is something intimidating about attending a pastors' conference or a denominational convention, because the people on the program are usually the "front-runners" with the best records. Young pastors and older men in narrow places often go home carrying feelings of guilt because their faithful work does not seem to produce as much fruit. Some of these discouraged men then try all lands of programs and promotions, only to have more disappointment; and then they contemplate leaving the ministry. If only they would realize that God measures their ministries on the basis of where He has put them, and not on the basis of what is going on in some other city, it would encourage them to stay on the job and keep being faithful. (Bible Exposition Commentary) But within the measure (metron) of the sphere (kanon) which God apportioned (merizo) to us as a measure (metron) - Amplified = "will keep within the limits [of our commission which] God has allotted us as our measuring line." NLT = "We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us" But introduces the contrasting attitude of Paul, so instead of making unsubstantiated claims, Paul was content to stay within the sphere or bounds of the ministry to which he had been called, "that line of duty which God has marked out for" him (Phillips). Paul was not "out of bounds" as the false teachers may have claimed but knew his sphere of ministry included Corinth (and Achaia). Gilbrant on sphere - Paul employed the word in reference to the “sphere” or “limits” of his ministry among the Corinthians. The term here carries a distinct geographic nuance according to some exegetes; others believe kanōn here has a nuance of “standard” or “rule” in reference not to a geographic limit but to God’s granting to Paul the “grace” to perform missionary activity at all Reformation Study Bible - Paul will take credit only for things that God has permitted him to do, but this includes having come to Corinth as their apostle. He implies that the opponents in Corinth with their boasting were intruding into his area of responsibility. (2 Cor 10:13)
2 Coríntios 10
Wiersbe - sums up 2Co 10:13-18 - Paul suggests three questions we may ask ourselves as we seek to measure our ministries by the will of God. Am I where God wants me to be? (vv. 13-14) Is God glorified by my ministry? (vv. 15-17) Can the Lord commend my work? (v. 18) Sphere (2583) kanon from kane = reed) refers to anything straight that is used to examine or measure other things. It was anything straight used in examining other things, as the tongue or needle of a balance, a plumb line in building. In Gal 6:16 it refers to a rule involving a standard for conduct. In 2 Cor 10:16 the idea of kanon is an area of activity which could be defined either geographically or functionally. W E Vine on kanon - originally denoted "a straight rod," used as a ruler or measuring instrument, or, in rare instances, "the beam of a balance," the secondary notion being either (a) of keeping anything straight, as of a rod used in weaving, or (b) of testing straightness, as a carpenter's rule; hence its metaphorical use to express what serves "to measure or determine" anything. By a common transition in the meaning of words, "that which measures," was used for "what was measured;" thus a certain space at Olympia was called a kanōn. So in music, a canon is a composition in which a given melody is the model for the formation of all the parts. In general the word thus came to serve for anything regulating the actions of men, as a standard or principle. In 2 Cor. 10:13, 15, 16, it is translated "province," RV (AV, "rule" and "line of things;" marg., "line;" RV marg., "limit" or "measuring rod.") Here it signifies the limits of the responsibility in gospel service as measured and appointed by God." Apportioned (allotted,)(3307) merizo rom meris = a part) means to divide, part, share, separate. To make an allotment (distribute, deal out, assign, apportion He 7:2, 2 Cor 10:13, Ro 12:3) Friberg (Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament) - 1) as separating into component parts divide (Mt 12.25); (2) as apportioning out something to someone distribute, divide out, assign (Ro 12.3), opposite suna,gw (gather); middle share with someone (Lk 12.13) 2 Corinthians 10:14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ; Phillips We do not exceed our duty when we embrace your interests, for it was our preaching of the gospel which brought us into contact with you. AMP For we are not overstepping the limits of our province and stretching beyond our ability to reach, as though we reached not (had no legitimate mission) to you, for we were [the very first] to come even as far as to you with the good news (the Gospel) of Christ. NLT We are not reaching beyond these boundaries when we claim authority over you, as if we had never visited you. For we were the first to travel all the way to Corinth with the Good News of Christ. NET For we were not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach as far as you, because we were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel about Christ. The Living Bible We are not going too far when we claim authority over you, for we were the first to come to you with the Good News concerning Christ. The Message We’re not moving into someone else’s “territory.” We were already there with you, weren’t we? We were the first ones to get there with the Message of Christ, right? So how can there be any question of overstepping our bounds by writing or visiting you? not overextending ourselves - 2Co 3:1-3 Ro 15:18,19 1Co 2:10 3:5,10 4:15 9:1,2 the gospel: 2Co 4:4 Mk 1:1 Ac 20:24 Ro 1:16 2:16 16:25 Ga 1:6-8 Col 1:5 1Ti 1:11 Related Passages: 1 Corinthians 4:15+ (PAUL PLANTED THE CHURCH AT CORINTH) For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you? 2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. GOD HAD SENT PAUL TO CORINTH For we are (ou - absolutely) not overextending ourselves - NLT = "We are not reaching beyond these boundaries when we claim authority over yo" The verb overextending (hyperekteino) is used only here and means they were (ou - absolutely) not extending their ministry beyond or stretching out beyond the bounds that had been set by God (cf sphere in 2Co 10:13).
2 Coríntios 10
Wiersbe - We may commend ourselves or be commended by others, and still not deserve the commendation of God. How does God approve our work? By testing it. The word approved in 2 Corinthians 10:18 means "to approve by testing." There is a future testing at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:10ff), but there is also a present testing of the work that we do. God permits difficulties to come to local churches in order that the work might be tested and approved. Over the years, I have seen ministries tested by financial losses, the invasion of false doctrine, the emergence of proud leaders who want to "run the church," and the challenge of change. Some of the churches have fallen apart and almost died, because the work was not spiritual. Other ministries have grown because of the trials and have become purer and stronger; and, through it all, God was glorified. Certainly our ministries must keep records and issue reports, but we must not fall into the "snare of statistics" and think that numbers are the only measurement of ministry. Each situation is unique, and no ministry can honestly be evaluated on the basis of some other ministry. The important thing is that we are where God wants us to be, doing what He wants us to do so that He might be glorified. Motive is as much a part of God's measurement of our work as is growth. If we are seeking to glorify and please God alone, and if we are not afraid of His evaluation of our hearts and lives, then we need not fear the estimates of men or their criticisms. (Bible Exposition Commentary) "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (2 Cor. 10:17).