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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Second Corinthians X].</TITLE>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>S E C O N D &nbsp; C O R I N T H I A N S.</B></FONT>
<BR>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. X.</FONT>
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
There was no place in which the apostle Paul met with more opposition
from false apostles than at Corinth; he had many enemies there. Let not
any of the ministers of Christ think it strange if they meet with
perils, not only from enemies, but from false brethren; for blessed
Paul himself did so. Though he was so blameless and inoffensive in all
his carriage, so condescending and useful to all, yet there were those
who bore him ill-will, who envied him, and did all they could to
undermine him, and lesson his interest and reputation. Therefore he
vindicates himself from their imputation, and arms the Corinthians
against their insinuations. In this chapter the apostle, in a mild and
humble manner, asserts the power of his preaching, and to punish
offenders,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:1-6">ver. 1-6</A>.
He then proceeds to reason the case with the Corinthians, asserting his
relation to Christ, and his authority as an apostle of Christ
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:7-11">ver. 7-11</A>),
and refuses to justify himself, or to act by such rules as the false
teachers did, but according to the better rules he had fixed for
himself,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:12-18">ver. 12, to the end</A>.</P>
</FONT>
<A NAME="2Co10_1"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_2"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_3"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_4"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_5"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_6"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Apostle's Spiritual Authority.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A.&nbsp;D.</FONT>&nbsp;57.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness
of Christ, who in presence <I>am</I> base among you, but being absent
am bold toward you:
&nbsp; 2 But I beseech <I>you,</I> 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.
&nbsp; 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the
flesh:
&nbsp; 4 (For the weapons of our warfare <I>are</I> not carnal, but mighty
through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
&nbsp; 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;
&nbsp; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when
your obedience is fulfilled.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Here we may observe,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. The mild and humble manner in which the blessed apostle addresses
the Corinthians, and how desirous he is that no occasion may be given
him to use severity.
1. He addresses them in a very mild and humble manner: <I>I Paul myself
beseech you,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
We find, in the introduction to this epistle, he joined Timothy with
himself; but now he speaks only for himself, against whom the false
apostles had particularly levelled their reproaches; yet in the midst
of the greatest provocations he shows humility and mildness, from the
consideration of the <I>meekness and gentleness of Christ,</I> and
desires this great example may have the same influence on the
Corinthians. Note, When we find ourselves tempted or inclined to be
rough and severe towards any body, we should think of the meekness and
gentleness of Christ, that appeared in him in the days of his flesh, in
the design of his undertaking, and in all the acts of his grace towards
poor souls. How humbly also does this great apostle speak of himself,
as <I>one in presence base among them!</I> So his enemies spoke of him
with contempt, and he seems to acknowledge it; while others thought
meanly, and spoke scornfully of him, he had low thoughts of himself,
and spoke humbly of himself. Note, We should be sensible of our own
infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us
for them.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. He is desirous that no occasion may be given to use severity,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
<I>He beseeches them</I> to give no occasion for him to be bold, or to
exercise his authority against them in general, as he had resolved to
do against some who unjustly charged him as <I>walking according to the
flesh,</I> that is, regulating his conduct, even in his ministerial
actions, according to carnal policy or with worldly views. This was
what the apostle had renounced, and this is contrary to the spirit and
design of the gospel, and was far from being the aim and design of the
apostle. Hereupon,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. He asserts the power of his preaching and his power to punish
offenders.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. The power of his preaching,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:3,5"><I>v.</I> 3, 5</A>.
Here observe,
(1.) The work of the ministry is a warfare, not <I>after the flesh</I>
indeed, for it is a spiritual warfare, with spiritual enemies and for
spiritual purposes. And though ministers walk in the flesh, or live in
the body, and in the common affairs of life act as other men, yet in
their work and warfare they must not go by the maxims of the flesh, nor
should they design to please the flesh: this must be crucified with its
affections and lusts; it must be mortified and kept under.
(2.) The doctrines of the gospel and discipline of the church are the
weapons of this warfare; and these are not carnal: outward force,
therefore, is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by
the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. A good argument this is
against persecution for conscience' sake: conscience is accountable to
God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not
driven by force of arms. And so the weapons of our warfare are mighty,
or very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing and cogent. This
indeed is through God, or owing to him, because they are his
institutions, and accompanied with his blessing, which makes all
opposition to fall before his victorious gospel. We may here observe,
[1.] What opposition is made against the gospel by the powers of sin
and Satan in the hearts of men. Ignorance, prejudices, beloved lusts,
are Satan's strong-holds in the souls of some; vain imaginations,
carnal reasonings, and high thoughts, or proud conceits, in others,
<I>exalt themselves against the knowledge of God,</I> that is, by these
ways the devil endeavours to keep men from faith and obedience to the
gospel, and secures his possession of the hearts of men, as his own
house or property. But then observe,
[2.] The conquest which the word of God gains. These strong-holds are
pulled down by the gospel as the means, through the grace and power of
God accompanying it as the principal efficient cause. Note, The
conversion of the soul is the conquest of Satan in that soul.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. The apostle's power to punish offenders (and that in an
extraordinary manner) is asserted in
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
The apostle was a prime-minister in the kingdom of Christ, and chief
officer in his army, and <I>had in readiness</I> (that is, he had power
and authority at hand) <I>to revenge all disobedience,</I> or to punish
offenders in a most exemplary and extraordinary manner. The apostle
speaks not of personal revenge, but of punishing disobedience to the
gospel, and disorderly walking among church-members, by inflicting
church-censures. Note, Though the apostle showed meekness and
gentleness, yet he would not betray his authority; and therefore
intimates that when he would commend those whose obedience was
fulfilled or manifested others would fall under severe censures.</P>
<A NAME="2Co10_7"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_8"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_9"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_10"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_11"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Apostle's Spiritual Authority.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A.&nbsp;D.</FONT>&nbsp;57.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>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 <I>is</I> Christ's, even so <I>are</I> we Christ's.
&nbsp; 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:
&nbsp; 9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
&nbsp; 10 For <I>his</I> letters, say they, <I>are</I> weighty and powerful; but
<I>his</I> bodily presence <I>is</I> weak, and <I>his</I> speech contemptible.
&nbsp; 11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by
letters when we are absent, such <I>will we be</I> also in deed when
we are present.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
In these verses the apostle proceeds to reason the case with the
Corinthians, in opposition to those who despised him, judged him, and
spoke hardly of him: "<I>Do you,</I>" says he, "<I>look on things after
the outward appearance?</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
Is this a fit measure or rule to make an estimate of things or persons
by, and to judge between me and my adversaries?" In outward appearance,
Paul was mean and despicable with some; he did not make a figure, as
perhaps some of his competitors might do: but this was a false rule to
make a judgment by. It should seem that some boasted mighty things of
themselves, and made a fair show. But there are often false
appearances. A man may seem to be learned who has not learned Christ,
and appear virtuous when he has not a principle of grace in his heart.
However, the apostle asserts two things of himself:--</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. His relation to Christ: <I>If any man trust to himself that he is
Christ's, even so are we Christ's,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
It would seem by this that Paul's adversaries boasted of their relation
to Christ as his ministers and servants. Now the apostle reasons thus
with the Corinthians: "Suppose it to be so, allowing what they say to
be true (and let us observe that, in fair arguing, we should allow all
that may be reasonably granted, and should not think it impossible but
those who differ from us very much may yet belong to Christ, as well as
we), allowing them," might the apostle say, "what they boast of, yet
they ought also to allow this to us, that <I>we also are Christ's.</I>"
Note,
1. We must not, by the most charitable allowances we make to others who
differ from us, cut ourselves off from Christ, nor deny our relation to
him. For,
2. There is room in Christ for many; and those who differ much from one
another may yet be one in him. It would help to heal the differences
that are among us if we would remember that, how confident soever we
may be that we belong to Christ, yet, at the same time, we must allow
that those who differ from us may belong to Christ too, and therefore
should be treated accordingly. We must not think that we are the
people, and that none belong to Christ but ourselves. This we may plead
for ourselves, against those who judge us and despise us that, how weak
soever we are, yet, as they are Christ's, so are we: we profess the
same faith, we walk by the same rule, we build upon the same
foundation, and hope for the same inheritance.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. His authority from Christ as an apostle. This he had mentioned
before
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>),
and now he tells them that he might speak of it again, and that with
some sort of boasting, seeing it was a truth, that the <I>Lord had
given it to him,</I> and it was more than his adversaries could justly
pretend to. It was certainly what he should not be ashamed of,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
Concerning this observe,
1. The nature of his authority: it was for <I>edification, and not for
destruction.</I> This indeed is the end of all authority, civil and
ecclesiastical, and was the end of that extraordinary authority which
the apostles had, and of all church-discipline.
2. The caution with which he speaks of his authority, professing that
his design was not to terrify them with big words, nor by angry
letters,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
Thus he seems to obviate an objection that might have been formed
against him,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
But the apostle declares he did not intend to frighten those who were
obedient, nor did he write any thing in his letters that he was not
able to make good by deeds against the disobedient; and he would have
his adversaries <I>know this</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>),
that he would, by the exercise of his apostolical power committed to
him, make it appear to have a real efficacy.</P>
<A NAME="2Co10_12"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_13"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_14"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_15"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_16"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_17"> </A>
<A NAME="2Co10_18"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Apostle Asserts His Claims.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A.&nbsp;D.</FONT>&nbsp;57.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>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.
&nbsp; 13 But we will not boast of things without <I>our</I> measure, but
according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed
to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
&nbsp; 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond <I>our measure,</I> as though
we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in
<I>preaching</I> the gospel of Christ:
&nbsp; 15 Not boasting of things without <I>our</I> measure, <I>that is,</I> 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,
&nbsp; 16 To preach the gospel in the <I>regions</I> beyond you, <I>and</I> not
to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
&nbsp; 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
&nbsp; 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the
Lord commendeth.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
In these verses observe,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. The apostle refuses to justify himself, or to act by such rules as
the false apostles did,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
He plainly intimates that they took a wrong method to commend
themselves, in <I>measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing
themselves among themselves,</I> which was <I>not wise.</I> They were
pleased, and did pride themselves, in their own attainments, and never
considered those who far exceeded them in gifts and graces, in power
and authority; and this made them haughty and insolent. Note, If we
would compare ourselves with others who excel us, this would be a good
method to keep us humble; we should be pleased and thankful for what we
have of gifts or graces, but never pride ourselves therein, as if there
were none to be compared with us or that did excel us. The apostle
would not be of the number of such vain men: let us resolve that we
will not make ourselves of that number.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. He fixes a better rule for his conduct, namely, <I>not to boast of
things without his measure,</I> which was the measure <I>God had
distributed</I> to him,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
His meaning is, either that he would not boast of more gifts or graces,
or power and authority, than God had really bestowed on him; or,
rather, that he would not act beyond his commission as to persons or
things, nor go beyond the line prescribed to him, which he plainly
intimates the false apostles did, while they <I>boasted of other men's
labors.</I> The apostle's resolution was to keep within his own
province, and that compass of ground which God had marked out for him.
His commission as an apostle was to preach the gospel every where,
especially among the Gentiles, and he was not confined to one place;
yet he observed the directions of Providence, and the Holy Spirit, as
to the particular places whither he went or where he did abide.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
III. He acted according to this rule: <I>We stretch not ourselves
beyond our measure,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:14"><I>v.</I> 14</A>.
And, particularly, he acted according to this rule in preaching at
Corinth, and in the exercise of his apostolical authority there; for he
came thither by divine direction, and there he converted many to
Christianity; and, therefore, in boasting of them as his charge, he
acted not contrary to his rule, he boasted not of <I>other men's
labours,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
IV. He declares his success in observing this rule. His hope was that
their faith was increased, and that others beyond them, even in the
remoter parts of Achaia, would embrace the gospel also; and in all this
he exceeded not his commission, nor acted in another man's line.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
V. He seems to check himself in this matter, as if he had spoken too
much in his own praise. The unjust accusations and reflections of his
enemies had made it needful he should justify himself; and the wrong
methods they took gave him good occasion to mention the better rule he
had observed: yet he is afraid of boasting, or taking any praise to
himself, and therefore he mentions two things which ought to be
regarded:--
1. <I>He that glorieth should glory in the Lord,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
If we are able to fix good rules for our conduct, or act by them, or
have any good success in so doing, the praise and glory of all are
owing unto God. Ministers in particular must be careful not to glory in
their performances, but must give God the glory of their work, and the
success thereof.
2. <I>Not he that commendeth himself is approved, but he whom the Lord
commendeth,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Co+10:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
Of all flattery, self-flattery is the worst, and self-applause is
seldom any better than self-flattery and self-deceit. At the best,
self-commendation is no praise, and it is oftentimes as foolish and
vain as it is proud; therefore, instead of praising or commending
ourselves, we should strive to approve ourselves to God, and his
approbation will be our best commendation.</P>
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