Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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2 Corinthians
Book: 2 Corinthians
Chapter: 10
Overview:
The
Apostle states his authority with
Meekness and
Humility.
(1-6) Reasons with the
Corinthians.
(7-11) Seeks the
Glory of
God, and to be approved of him.
(12-18)
1-6 While others thought meanly, and spake scornfully of the
Apostle, he had low thoughts, and spake humbly of himself. We
should be aware of our own infirmities, and think humbly of
ourselves, even when men reproach us. The work of the ministry
is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual
purposes. Outward force is not the method of the
Gospel, but
strong persuasions,
By the power of
Truth and the
Meekness of
Wisdom.
Conscience is accountable to
God only; and people must
be persuaded to
God and their duty, not driven
By force. Thus
the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of
Truth is convincing. What opposition is made against the
Gospel,
By the powers of
Sin and
Satan in the hearts of men! But observe
the conquest the
Word of God gains. The appointed means, however
feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through
God. And the
preaching of the
Cross,
By men of
Faith and
Prayer, has always
been fatal to
Idolatry, impiety, and wickedness.
7-11 In outward appearance,
Paul was mean and despised in the
eyes of some, but this was a false rule to
Judge By. We must not
think that none outward appearance, as if the want of such
things proved a
Man not to be a real
Christian, or an able,
Faithful Minister of the lowly
Saviour.
12-18 If we would compare ourselves with others who excel us,
this would be a good method to keep us humble. The
Apostle fixes
a good rule for his conduct; namely, not to boast of things
without his
Measure, which was the
Measure God had distributed
to him. There is not a more fruitful source of error, than to
Judge of persons and opinions
By our own prejudices. How common
is it for persons to
Judge of their own religious character,
By
the opinions and maxims of the world around them! But how
different is the rule of
God's
Word! And of all flattery,
self-flattery is the worst. Therefore, instead of praising
ourselves, we should strive to approve ourselves to
God. In a
Word, let us
Glory in the
Lord our
Salvation, and in all other
things only as evidences of his
Love, or means of promoting his
Glory. Instead of praising ourselves, or seeking the praise of
men, let us desire that honour which cometh from
God only.