2 Corinthians 10:7-11 (WEL) Are you looking at the outward appearance? If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, then let him remind himself that as he is Christ’s, so are we. 8 For even if I brag a little too much about our authority, which the Lord has given to us for edification and not for your destruction, I am not ashamed. 9 So that I wouldn’t look like I’m trying to scare you with my letters. 10 “For his letters,” they say, “are impressive and forceful, but his physical presence is weak and speech despicable.” 11 Let this person think about this, that as we are in the words of our letter, when we are absent, so we will be in what we do, when we are present.
V7 Are you looking at the outward appearance? If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, then let him remind himself that as he is Christ’s, so are we.
The Corinthian believers still have some who doubt Paul’s apostleship. Outward appearances mean little.
There are little outward characteristics of a person that one is a believer. A person can be moral, loving, kind, thoughtful, and a good citizen, but that means little. God has determined and judged that all humans are guilty of sin and need a savior (Romans 3:23).
The Greek word for outward appearance is G4383 πρόσωπον prósōpon, which means looking at the face, that is, our countenance. Robertson adds: “They ought to look below the surface. If it is imperative, they should see the facts.”
The Greek word for confident is G3982 πείθω peíthō, which means persuaded, convinced.
If a person is confident of salvation, then the Apostle Paul and his team have the same confidence.
Warren W. Wiersbe, commenting on 2 Corinthians 10:7-11, writes: “How to Use Spiritual Authority (2 Corinthians 10:7-11)
“One of the most difficult lessons Christ’s disciples had to learn was that, in the kingdom of God, position and power were no evidence of authority. Jesus warned His followers not to pattern their leadership after that of the Gentiles who loved to “lord it over” others and to act important (see Mark 10:35-45). The example we must follow is that of Jesus Christ, who came as a servant and ministered to others. Paul followed that example.”
V8 For even if I brag a little too much about our authority, which the Lord has given to us for edification and not for your destruction, I am not ashamed.
Paul is not proud and bragging that he is someone special; he is stating the facts and being sarcastic. Jesus commissioned him to be an Apostle (Acts 9:15-16 and Galatians 2:7-9).
God gave authority to the Apostles that others did not have. They could bind and loose, that is, make decisions regarding doctrine and individuals that are authoritative. There are no Apostles today. The qualifications are 1) being with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry (Acts 1:21-22), 2) seen the bodily resurrected Jesus Christ (Acts 1:22), and 3) appointed by lot cast by the living Apostles of Jesus Christ. Paul was not with Jesus for His ministry but definitely had the other two qualifications, authenticating signs of an Apostle, and the recognition by the Apostles and elders.
V9 So that I wouldn’t look like I’m trying to scare you with my letters.
Paul writes plainly, purposefully, and authoritatively, which might be scary. Sometimes we need to hear strong words to make us think and restore reality.
V10 “For his letters,” they say, “are impressive and forceful, but his physical presence is weak and speech despicable.”
Paul was not known to be a stud or orator. To judge someone’s qualifications based on oratory gifts, looks, charisma, education, etc., means little and is foolish. Wolves come in spiritual clothing. Satan and his hordes can masquerade as ministers of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
V11 Let this person think about this, that as we are in the words of our letter, when we are absent, so we will be in what we do, when we are present.
Paul wishes to be consistent in what he writes and lives. This is a good principle for all believers.
Pett writes: “But let those who see him thus be aware that when he comes, he will come with all the weight and strength revealed in his letters, for that is how he will act among them. His Apostolic authority, given to him by the will of God (2 Corinthians 1:1), is under challenge. He will use every acceptable means in his power to vindicate it. No longer will they see the meek and lowly Apostle. They will see the victor in battle of 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, the one who is mighty through God. God will vindicate him.”
We learn:
- Paul is an Apostle of Jesus Christ.
- Consistency is necessary in writing and life both publicly and privately.
Questions:
- Do you recognize the authority of Paul as an Apostle?
- Do you recognize the letters he wrote to be authoritative today?