2 Corinthians 10

Take Aways:

1. Though false apostles often challenged and opposed the ministry of Paul, he recognized that his ability and sufficiency were found in the Lord, who faithfully and abundantly equipped him to prove the legitimacy of his apostleship—“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,” 2 Corinthians 3:5

2. Paul’s opponents wrongly judged him based on his unassuming appearance, leading them to doubt the genuineness of his apostleship. However, Paul demonstrated the reality of his apostolic authority through deeds, conduct, and actions that edified the body of Christ—“in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” Titus 2:7-8

3. Though God had indeed appointed authority to Paul, he did not wrongly lord his authority over others, did not proudly boast in his authority, nor did he attempt to commend himself by his authority; rather, he understood that his approval came from the Lord whom Paul was simply called to serve with this authority—“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:2-4