2 Corinthians 10:1-14

(B) Chapters 10-13. St. Paul’s Defence of his Ministry

As explained in the Introduction, this section is regarded as part of the intermediate letter, referred to in 2 Corinthians 2:3-4 and 2 Corinthians 7:8, in which the Apostle rebuked his converts, and sought to bring them to repentance. It is, therefore, to be taken as earlier in time than 2 Corinthians 1-9, which were written as the result of the Corinthians’ reception of the intermediate or ’severe’ letter.

Here the Apostle answers the charges of weakness and cowardice that have been brought against him, defends his preaching and his independence, points to the proofs of his apostleship in suffering and service, and finally warns them against evil and exhorts them to live a pure and holy life.