2 Corinthians 10 -13 (6th December) - Weiling

2 Corinthians was Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Paul’s teaching, character, and motives had been brought under attack by some in Corinth after his first letter. Paul writes to set forth his credentials and vindicate his conduct. From this book, we are offered glimpses into the Apostle Paul’s pre-conversion background, his vision from God, his thorn in the flesh, and his persecution for the cause of Christ.

Paul wrote to the rebellious minority in chapters 10-13 and asserted his authority as a Gospel Minister. Some in Corinth were questioning and doubting him and there were false apostles or “super apostles”. Paul asserted his credentials of being a Hebrew, an Israelite and a descendant of Abraham (pure lineage). He also boasted about his sufferings for Christ. (11:23-29)

Boasting
Paul boasted to get his point across because many were boasting in the way the world does (11:18), and Paul certainly had no lack in the things to boast about. The word “boast” was used 13 times in 2 Corinthians. We often associate boasting with being proud and wanting to seek attention and glory for oneself. However, we see that it was not so with Paul.

Notice who and what Paul was boasting in. “But, ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” (10:17-18) He went on to add that he would only boast in his weakness (2 Cor 10:30; 2 Cor 12:5) so no one will think more of him than is warranted by what he does or say. (2 Cor 12:6) He wanted Christ to take the rightful credit and glory, recognizing that God’s grace is sufficient and that His power is made strong in our weakness; Paul himself made weak because of the thorn in his flesh. (2 Cor 12:7-10)

Paul boasted to prove himself credible to the Corinthians because sometimes, people just get caught up in the physical aspect of things (2 Cor 10:7) but we forget that there is the spiritual aspect of things as well (2 Cor 10:3-5). Thus, we must be careful to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” and that we are not deceived by false teachings and arguments.