2 Corinthians 10:1

Now I, Paul, myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you... For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations of every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:1–6)

When Christ's meekness becomes the standard, every teacher discovers he is about to be tested by the very thing he teaches.

A Rough Bunch in Corinth—and California

The Corinthians, the church to whom Paul wrote this letter, were a rough bunch of people. As we have studied through both 1 and 2 Corinthians, we've seen that these ruffians in Corinth were very similar to the ruffians here in California. As has been said before, this book could be called Second Californians and not just Second Corinthians.

A church is a gathering of people called out of the world, out of darkness into God's marvelous light. We come into the body of Christ with all kinds of error and imperfection, and the church 2,000 years ago in Corinth was no different. Little has changed, because humanity has not changed. They were a rough group, and yet God had done a miraculous work in establishing a church there. Paul was the instrument used to help found it, spending nearly two years among them.

Slander, Letters, and a Painful History

But upon leaving Corinth, there was something of a minor coup—a rebellion against Paul's leadership. Those who rebelled brought slanderous accusations against his character. During that time Paul had traveled back to his home base in modern-day Syria, then down to Jerusalem, and finally set out on a third missionary journey into Asia. Along the way he received word, both by letter and by report, of the problems in Corinth.

As was his custom, Paul taught the people he ministered to through letters. While he was in Ephesus, a group came from Corinth with a letter full of questions, and Paul wrote back to answer them. That answer is essentially our first book of Corinthians. In fact, Paul wrote four letters to Corinth; God, by His divine plan, opted that we would have only two of them.

It is a reality that we must recognize: it is not very hard for sin to come into the church, because we are sinners. The problem is that if sin is allowed to remain, it destroys—because sin brings death. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul illustrates this with leaven, yeast that makes bread rise. Just a little of it will leaven the entire body of Christ. So Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address sinful division, immorality, and the misuse of spiritual gifts, because that sin could not be allowed to remain.

A Sorrowful Visit and a Letter Written in Tears

Following that rebuke, Paul visited Corinth a second time while establishing the church at Ephesus. Second Corinthians 2 tells us this was a terrible, sorrowful, burdensome visit. It was the kind of visit where, as he was leaving, he was saying in his heart, "If this is the way it's going to be, I'm just not going to do this again." Have you ever experienced a family gathering like that—where, as you're getting in the car, you say to your spouse, "If this is the way it's going to be, we're just not doing this"? That's exactly how that second visit ended.

Paul returned to Ephesus and penned a third letter—one he says he wrote in tears (2 Corinthians 2), filled with passionate rebuke against the slander coming against him. He gave it to Titus, who was well connected with the Corinthians, and told him to deliver it and then meet him in Macedonia, about 150 miles north, where the churches of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea were.

Paul was eventually thrust out of Ephesus and traveled to Troas. There a great door of opportunity opened to him, but he was so devastated and depressed over Corinth that he could not stay and walk through it. He crossed over to Macedonia, hoping to find Titus, but did not. Second Corinthians 2 and 7 tell us he had no rest, sorrowful and heavy in heart, wondering what would become of his relationship with the church. Anyone who has ever experienced slander knows how hard it is to clear your name.

Restoration—and Lingering Opposition

Finally, in Philippi, Titus returned. "I was comforted by the appearing of Titus," Paul says in chapter 7. Titus reported that many things in Corinth had been set right and that relationships were being restored. But the seeds of gossip and slander had done their work, and there were still people opposing Paul's ministry.

Second Corinthians is the answer to that. The first seven chapters deal with the restoration of relationship—you can sense Paul's joy—even as he weaves in some confrontation toward those who slandered him. Chapters 8 and 9 deal with the offering Paul was gathering for the needy church in Jerusalem. Asking for money after all that turmoil could not have been easy.

"Now"—A Complete Change of Direction

When we come to chapter 10, there is a complete change of direction. The last four chapters have an entirely different tone from the first nine. The very first word of chapter 10 is "Now." Chapter 9 ends with a benediction: "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift" (9:15). Having just asked for a financial gift, Paul reminds them of the greatest gift—Jesus given for our sins. It's hard for us even to fathom the value of that gift.

Then he says, "Now." A new direction. "I have some things I need to address," because still lingering in the air of Corinth was the slander brought by those who were rebellious against his ministry. The last four chapters are filled with heavy, stern confrontation, especially against those who assassinated his character. These chapters contain the most stern challenges and rebukes in all of Paul's letters—an open rebuke.

Why Open Rebuke Was Necessary

Rebuking someone is not easy. Unless you are somewhat sadistic, you don't enjoy it—and no one enjoys being rebuked. Because we filter rebuke through our own dislike of it, confronting another's error is hard. You can almost sense Paul's discomfort as he puts the knife of Scripture against those opposing the work of God. That's why these chapters contain biting sarcasm at points.

Why rebuke at all? Paul tells Timothy that elders who rule well deserve double honor, "for you shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain" (1 Timothy 5:17). He adds, "Against an elder do not receive an accusation, but by two or three witnesses... them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." Quoting Deuteronomy 19:15, Paul echoes the same words in 2 Corinthians 13:1: "This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."

Paul is saying, "You have false accusations against me, but no witnesses. I, however, have witness against you, and I will bring it before you." As Solomon says, "Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed" (Proverbs 27:5). In this case it was necessary, because the accusations were not merely personal—they reflected upon God in heaven, since Paul was an apostle of Christ, and they were devastating the church's ability to minister in Corinth.

The Nine Accusations Against Paul

As I read through chapters 10–13, I identified about nine things Paul's critics seem to have said against him. There may be more; we don't have them clearly outlined. First, they said he was a coward when present but bold only when far away with a pen in his hand. In some sense this was true: Paul says in 1 Corinthians that he came to them in much fear and trembling, in weakness, without eloquent speech—yet his letters are strong and stern.

Second, they said he was self-willed, walking in the flesh rather than led by the Spirit—painful to a man whose whole life sought the Spirit's guidance. Third, they claimed to be more spiritual and knowledgeable than he. Fourth, they said he lacked God-given authority and was inferior to the "super apostles." Fifth, that he was unskilled in speaking, even foolish. Sixth, that he was weak. Seventh, that he was unimpressive in appearance—a second-century description portrays Paul as short, bow-legged, with a hooked nose, an eye problem, and poor hearing. Eighth and ninth, that he was deceitful and took advantage of the church. In the last four chapters, Paul powerfully addresses every one of these.

Reading the Whole Letter at Once

To grasp what Paul is saying, the right way is to read these chapters in one sweep, just as a letter—because it is one. So rather than highlighting and cross-referencing, simply consider what the apostle says. Reading from the English Standard Version, 2 Corinthians 10 through 13 unfolds as Paul's sustained confrontation of those who criticized the work God was doing through him.

He begs them by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—"I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away." He insists the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God. He answers the charge that his letters are weighty but his presence weak. He refuses to commend himself as the false apostles do, "for it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."

He speaks "as a fool," boasting only to expose the false apostles who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, just as Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. He recounts his labors, imprisonments, beatings, three shipwrecks, the forty lashes minus one, dangers on every side, and his daily anxiety for all the churches—boasting only in the things that show his weakness, even his escape from Damascus in a basket.

He tells of being caught up to the third heaven, and of the thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, given to keep him from conceit. Three times he pleaded for its removal, and the Lord answered, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore Paul gladly boasts in weakness, "for when I am weak, then I am strong." He closes by warning that he will not spare unrepentant sin on his third visit, urging them, "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith," and praying for their restoration so that he need not be severe in the authority the Lord gave him for building up and not tearing down.

Brokenhearted by the Slander

Paul was brokenhearted by this slander. The word for gossip comes from the Greek root diabolos—of the devil, the accuser of the brethren. Paul had been defamed by people in Corinth who considered themselves super apostles—more spiritual, more wise, better looking, better speakers—who exalted and commended themselves. They had no commendation from God, yet somehow the Corinthians were led astray.

So Paul writes these confrontational, sometimes sarcastic words, saying he would much rather write a hard letter than come and be severe in person. At stake was the ministry of the gospel of Christ. He did not do this to be seen as better than the super apostles; he did it to exalt Christ. He had no problem being made weak so that Christ could be exalted—but not being made weak by false allegation, not by the lies of the enemy.

The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ

It is striking that Paul begins this confrontation on the basis of "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (10:1). Underline those words. I have meditated on them for the last two weeks. It is so important to recognize the source of such qualities: Christ. These things do not come from us, are not evident in our natural character, and do not define us in our own flesh.

Let me define the words. Meekness refers to a humble, gentle attitude that expresses itself in patient endurance of offenses—free from anger, hatred, bitterness, and the desire to avenge yourself even when you are wrongfully treated. Gentleness refers to patient submission in the midst of mistreatment, injustice, and disgrace—without anger, malice, or revenge—even though you have the power and the right to retaliate. How many of us would say that perfectly describes us? It does not describe us, but it certainly describes Jesus.

Power Under Control

Consider Jesus in Gethsemane the night He was betrayed. Judas approaches and kisses His cheek, the sign for the soldiers. Peter draws a sword and cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant, and Jesus says, "Put away your sword," heals the man, and asks, "Do you not know that I could at this moment call twelve legions of angels to my side?" That statement is the basis for everything He willingly endured—His trial, beating, and crucifixion.

Sometimes meekness is mistaken for weakness. Those who saw Jesus on the cross said, "He saved others; himself he cannot save. If you are the Christ, come down." They did not know He had all power in the universe, every heavenly host at His disposal. Meekness is power under control—when you have the ability and the right to avenge yourself, and you do not. Jesus is the greatest example. That is why Paul appeals to His meekness rather than exalting himself.

Tested by What We Teach

As I have thought about this, I have been deeply convicted. When we see the character of Christ exalted, we see ourselves in His light and recognize we could never be as He is. One occupational hazard for those who teach the Word is that, without fail, you will be tested by the very things you teach. Every time I come to a challenging word like this, I get tested in it—and over the last two weeks, I have been.

A few days before we left for Ireland, my wife called: there was a really bad sound coming from our car—the kind of sound that means money quickly leaving your savings account. In the back of my mind I could hear, "It's a test, it's only a test." My neighbor, a mechanic, listened and said, "Yeah, that's bad—bottom of your engine." The next day a mechanic said it sounded like a bearing or a lifter.

Then I remembered we had bought an extended warranty—36,000 miles, three years—and we were at two years and 31,000 miles. Praise the Lord, a silver lining! I dropped the car at the dealership, gathered maintenance records, and flew off to Ireland. We came back having heard nothing. After days of phone tag, at 10 to 5 on Friday, driving down El Norte Parkway, they called: the warranty company said we didn't have enough maintenance records and wouldn't pay. The cost to fix it? About $7,000. I was glad I was at a stoplight. And in that moment, the meekness and gentleness of Christ was nowhere on my radar screen. I lost my cool.

We Walk in the Flesh but Do Not War After the Flesh

We see again the reality that, in our own strength, we never are Christlike. But look at verse 3: "Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh." We are all human—believers and unbelievers alike—walking in an earthly tabernacle. But for the Christian, Paul says, we do not war according to the flesh.

The word for "war" is the same root from which we get strategize. Though we walk in the flesh, as Christians we do not strategize according to a carnal, earthly method. Verse 4 tells us why: the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the tearing down of strongholds. James says the wrath of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God. The way we live and interact in this world is to be different, because we have Christ in us and the hope that He will reveal His meekness and gentleness through us.

One of the fruits of the Spirit is the very word translated "meekness" here. In my reaction to that phone call, I did not see the fruit of the Spirit, and it deeply grieved me. The second I hung up, I was convicted. In all honesty, when I woke up Sunday morning I thought, "I don't even want to go to church"—and I'm the pastor. You can't do that.

God Works in Us

So I returned to this word meekness throughout Paul's letters. "Walk worthy of the calling... with all lowliness and meekness" (Ephesians 4:1–3). "Put on... humility of mind, meekness, and longsuffering" (Colossians 3:12). "Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness" (1 Timothy 6:11). "The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle... in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves" (2 Timothy 2:24–25). "Be gentle, showing all meekness unto all men" (Titus 3:2).

The aim of Christ is that we would be Christlike—gentle and meek even when our flesh, like every other human being's, refuses. But we have the power in Christ to be so, because He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. He has given us everything we need to live in a godly way.

So I came back to Philippians 2:12–13: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to do that which is pleasing to Him." Several times I came before the Lord: "I need You to work in me, because apart from You I can do nothing." As Paul says, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves... but our sufficiency is of God" (2 Corinthians 3:5–6). We must confess—not as a show, but as a reality—that apart from Him we truly can do nothing.

The Greatest Stronghold Is the Flesh

If you fail at being Christlike, it is because you are trying to be Christlike by the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for the tearing down of strongholds—most specifically the strongholds of flesh in our own lives. We often filter that verse through the strongholds "out there"—the bookstore, the pubs, whatever wicked thing in town. But the greatest stronghold to overcome is the inward flesh, and we need God to do that in us.

Far be it from us to be those who commend ourselves, judging ourselves by ourselves—looking around and saying, "I'm better than that guy." Paul says it's foolishness. Christ is the standard, and in our flesh we never measure up. The sooner we recognize that, the greater the power you experience in your life. Paul says, "Therefore I will most gladly boast of my weakness, for when I am weak, then I am strong."

Closing Prayer

Father, I thank You that You work in us to will and to do Your good pleasure. Work in us as a church, as individuals, as we leave from here and go back to our lives this week—to school, to work, to our communities and neighborhoods. God, work in us to be pleasing to You. Help us to see, when we are confronted with difficult situations, that it is a test. Help us to be quick to repent when we fail. May we exalt You and reflect You in the world in which we live. This is our prayer. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen.