2 Corinthians 10:8-10 WEB

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:7-11

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: ?Do you,? says he, ?look on things after the outward appearance? 2 Cor. 10:7. Isa. 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... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:7-18

10:7-18 Look at what lies in front of you. If anyone confidently believes that he belongs to Christ, let him examine his own case again, because, just as he belongs to Christ, so do we also. If I make what might look like excessive claims about our authority--that authority which the Lord gave us to upbuild you and not to destroy you--I will not be put to shame. And I am going to do just that very thing so that I may not seem, as it were, to be striking terror into you through a series of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:8

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority ,.... Than as yet he had done, or used to do; or rather the sense is, should he boast of a greater authority than the false apostles, or even than the true ministers of the Gospel in common had, he should not exceed the bounds of truth and modesty; for as an apostle he not only had an authority from Christ to preach the Gospel, and administer ordinances, but also had an extraordinary power of punishing offenders, as before observed: ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:9

That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. Here seems to be something wanting, which is to be supplied, The sense is, though I might lawfully boast of the superior authority which we apostles have above other persons, in using sharpness with men insolent and hardened in sin; yet I will not, I forbear every thing of that kind, I drop it, I do not choose to insist upon it; מחמא אנא , "I overlook", or "neglect" it, "I do not care" to do it, as the Syriac version supplies it;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:10

For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful ,.... These words contain the reason why he did not choose to say any more of his authority as an apostle to punish offenders, that he might give no occasion for such a calumny, some among them, or the false apostles, had cast upon him; that his epistles, referring particularly to his former epistle, and that part of it which respected the incestuous person, and his delivery to Satan, were blustering and thundering; were laden with sharp... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:8

For, though I should boast, etc. - I have a greater authority and spiritual power than I have yet shown, both to edify and to punish; but I employ this for your edification in righteousness, and not for the destruction of any delinquent. "This," says Calmet, "is the rule which the pastors of the Church ever propose to themselves in the exercise of their authority; whether to enjoin or forbid, to dispense or to oblige, to bind or to loose. They should use this power only as Jesus Christ used... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:9

That I may not seem, etc. - This is an elliptical sentence, and may be supplied thus: "I have not used this authority; nor will I add any more concerning this part of the subject, lest I should seem, as my adversary has insinuated, to wish to terrify you by my letters. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:10

For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful - He boasts of high powers, and that he can do great things. See on 2 Corinthians 10:1-2 ; (note). But his bodily presence is weak - When you behold the man, you find him a feeble, contemptible mortal; and when ye hear him speak, his speech, ὁ λογος , probably, his doctrine, εξουθενημενος , is good for nothing; his person, matter, and manner, are altogether uninteresting, unimpressive, and too contemptible to be valued by the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:8

Verse 8 8.For though I should boast more largely of my authority. It was a sign of modesty, that he put himself into the number of those, whom he greatly excelled. At the same time, he was not disposed to show such modesty, as not to retain his authority unimpaired. He accordingly adds, that he has said less than his authority entitled him to say; for he was not one of the ordinary class of ministers, but was even distinguished among the Apostles. Hence he says: “Though I should boast more, I... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:9

Verse 9 9That I may not seem to terrify. Again he touches on the calumny which he had formerly refuted, (2 Corinthians 10:2,) that he was bold in his writings, while in their presence his courage failed him. On this pretext they disparaged his writings. (769) “What!” Said they, “will he terrify us by letters when at a distance, while, if present with us, he would scarcely venture to mutter a word!” Lest, therefore, his letters should have less weight, he answers, that no objection is advanced... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:7-11

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:7-18

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:9

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:10

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:9

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:10

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:9

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