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
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 10:17
2 Corinthians 1:17Did I shew fickleness? [μητι αρα τηι ελαπριαι] An indignant negative answer is called for by μητι mēti The instrumental case of ελαπριαι elaphriāi is regular after εχρησαμην echrēsamēn from χραομαι chraomai to use. Ελαπρια Elaphria is a late word for levity from the old adjective, ελαπρος elaphros light, agile (2 Corinthians 10:17; Matthew 11:30). Here only in N.T. [source]
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 10:17
Paul quotes Proverbs 27:2 . [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 10:17
An indignant negative answer is called for by μητι mēti The instrumental case of ελαπριαι elaphriāi is regular after εχρησαμην echrēsamēn from χραομαι chraomai to use. Ελαπρια Elaphria is a late word for levity from the old adjective, ελαπρος elaphros light, agile (2 Corinthians 10:17; Matthew 11:30). Here only in N.T. [source]
Rev., better, glory. Compare Jeremiah 9:23, Jeremiah 9:24, and 1 Corinthians 1:31; 2 Corinthians 10:17. [source]