2 Corinthians 10:8-18 - Enlarging One's Sphere Of Influence
There is marvelous power in the weakest of men, when governed by a single purpose and filled with the consciousness and the power of God. Weak and contemptible in themselves, they are often the chosen channels through which God pours His living water. Any child could have destroyed Raphael's brush, but in his hand it painted immortal pictures. Incidentally the Apostle remarks that some who criticized him bore themselves proudly, because their standard was so low. A five-foot man thinks himself tall when he compares himself with a dwarf! Always compare what is worst in yourself with what is best in others, and you will be kept humble.
Paul was always pressing outward to the fields that lay beyond. These were vast unoccupied regions, which he coveted to count as provinces in the Kingdom of Christ. This is the supreme test of a man. It is comparatively easy to build on foundations laid by another Christian worker, and to win away his converts. Such conduct is mean and cowardly. Open up new ground and show the stuff that's in you. The Apostle was justified in making these affirmations, but he did so in the meekness and gentleness of Christ. [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 10
1Against the false apostles, who disgraced the weakness of his person and bodily presence, 4he shows the spiritual might and authority with which he was armed against all adverse powers; 7assuring those who at his coming he will be found as mighty in word as he is now in writing; 12and encouraging them to reach out themselves beyond their compass
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 10:9
As if I would terrify you by my letters [ως αν εκποβειν υμας δια των επιστολων] This use of ως αν hōs an with the infinitive is seen in the papyri (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 167) and it is not αν an in the apodosis (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 974, 1040). The active of this old compound verb means to frighten, to terrify. Here only in N.T. It is common in the lxx (Job 7:14; 33:16). Note plural (letters) here and cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Corinthians 2:3. [source]
That I may not seem [] The construction is abrupt. Probably something is to be supplied, as I say this in order that I may not seem, etc. [source]
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Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 10:9
This use of ως αν hōs an with the infinitive is seen in the papyri (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 167) and it is not αν an in the apodosis (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 974, 1040). The active of this old compound verb means to frighten, to terrify. Here only in N.T. It is common in the lxx (Job 7:14; 33:16). Note plural (letters) here and cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Corinthians 2:3. [source]
The construction is abrupt. Probably something is to be supplied, as I say this in order that I may not seem, etc. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 10:9
Sometimes rendered seems, 1 Corinthians 12:22; 2 Corinthians 10:9; Galatians 2:9; but think is Paul's usual meaning. Comp. Matthew 3:9; 1 Corinthians 11:16; Philemon 3:4. [source]