Verses 1-6 of this chapter show us the mild and humble manner in which the Apostle addresses the Corinthians, and how desirous he is that no occasion may be given him to use severity. Even in the midst of the greatest provocations, he shows humility and mildness, following the example of the meekness and gentleness of Christ; and he desires that this great example may have the same influence on the Corinthians. Whenever we find ourselves tempted or inclined to be rough and severe toward anybody, we should think of the meekness and gentleness of our Savior, Who shows such amazing grace toward poor sinful souls!
How humbly does this great Apostle speak of himself! Nevertheless, he does assert the power of his preaching (verses 3-5). “For though we walk in the flesh,” says he, “we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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!” Here we learn that the work of the ministry is a warfare – a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies and for spiritual purposes. And even though ministers live in the flesh, and act as other people in the common affairs of life; yet in their work and warfare, they must not go by the maxims of the flesh, nor should they endeavor to please the flesh – for this must be crucified with its affections and lusts; it must be mortified. But what are the weapons with which they fight this warfare? The doctrines of the Gospel. And these are not carnal weapons. Outward force, therefore, is not the method of the Gospel; but rather, it is strong persuasions by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. The weapons of our warfare are mighty and very powerful, for the evidence of Scriptural truth is convincing and cogent. And this is owing to God, because they are His institutions, and they are accompanied with His blessing – which makes all opposition fall before His victorious Gospel!
In verses 7-11, Paul proceeds to reason his case with the Corinthians, in opposition to those who despised him, judged him, and spoke hardly of him. In outward appearance, Paul was humble and even despicable in the eyes of some; he did not cut a striking figure, as some of his competitors did; but this was a bad standard to make a judgment by. A man may seem to be well-learned, even when he has not learned Christ; and he may appear virtuous, even when he does not have a single principle of grace in his heart. However, the Apostle asserts two things of himself. The first was his relationship with Christ. It is indeed possible that those who differ very much from us may yet belong to Jesus. There is room in our Savior for many, and those who differ much from one another in matters of trivial importance may still be united in Him. It would help to heal the differences that are among us if we would remember that. Paul also speaks of his authority from Christ as an Apostle. He had mentioned this before (verse 6); and now he tells them that he might speak of it again, and even with some sort of boasting – for it was a truth that the Lord had given it to him, and it was more than his adversaries could justly pretend to. It was certainly something that he should not be ashamed of (verse 8).
In the rest of the chapter (verses 12-18), the Apostle refuses to justify himself, or to act by such rules as the false apostles did. He plainly indicates that they took a wrong method to commend themselves, in measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, which was not wise. They prided themselves in their own attainments, and never considered those who far exceeded them in gifts, graces, power, and authority; and this made them haughty and insolent. Paul fixes a better rule for his conduct – namely, not to boast of things without his measure, which was the measure that God had distributed to him (verse 13). He means that he would not boast of more gifts or graces, or power and authority, than the Lord had really bestowed upon him; he would not act beyond his commission, which the false apostles did when they boasted of other men’s labors. The Apostle’s resolution was to keep within the specific calling which God had marked out for him. His commission as an Apostle was to preach the Gospel everywhere, especially among the Gentiles; and he was not confined to one place. But he still observed the directions of Providence, and the Holy Spirit, as to the particular places where he went and abode.
In the last two verses, Paul almost 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 necessary that he should justify himself, and the wrong methods that they took gave him good occasion to mention the better rule which he had observed; yet he is afraid of boasting and taking any praise to himself, and so he mentions two things which ought to be regarded. The first is that “he that glorieth should glory in the Lord” (verse 17). 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 should go to God. Second, “not he that commendeth himself is approved, but he whom the Lord commendeth” (verse 18). 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 often as foolish and vain as it is proud. Instead of praising ourselves, we should strive to be approved by God; His approbation will be our best commendation!
Thank You, Lord, for the assurance that the weapons of our spiritual warfare are strong enough to pull down the strongholds of sin and Satan! Amen.
Prefer to listen?
Join other families all around the globe and receive the full-color, freely downloadable format of these Family Bible Guides in your email every day!
Follow on your favorite social and podcast platforms!
0 Comments