2 Corinthians 10:1-18

 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

This chapter is a major transition in the letter. But the transition seems larger than it actually is. Paul shifts from teaching about mission giving to dealing with false teachers. This transition is so abrupt that some have argued that chapters 10 through 13 were originally a separate letter. Not at all; Paul's comments about giving would certainly excite a reaction from the false teachers who would, motivated by greed, want to keep the church’s money local. Paul anticipated 3 avenues of resistance and is going to address these three attacks. In verse 2,  the word “some” refers to the company of the false leaders. The attacks they bring can be outlined in this way: first is their false teaching; second is their accusation that Paul is, in person, a nobody; and third is the claim that the Corinthian Church is none of Paul's business.

The false teaching issue: The false teachers were offering a doctrine that was designed to appeal to the selfish, carnal interests of the hearers. This doctrine seems like a fortress. But Paul says that the weapons of spiritual warfare pull down such fortresses. The description Paul used here was the description of how the Romans pulled down the stronghold of their enemies. Paul is not going to give quarter to these false doctrines.

Concerning their negative assessment of Paul: The false teachers are disparaging of Paul, describing him as unimpressive in person. These teachers did much bragging and very likely a lot of intimidating the people of the church. They were loud and aggressive bullies. Paul’s reputation as a gentle, loving, and kind pastor or minister when he was present, combined with his forceful letters, had the false teachers claiming that Paul was a nobody. They likely claimed they would put Paul in his place should he ever arrive. They had, if we may use the expression, “poked the bear.” In this case, not just any bear but a large grizzly who was going to protect her young cubs. They have no clue what they are about to face. In every play, Paul is their better and is better by a great deal.

Finally, it appears that the false teachers would argue that the church at Corinth was none of Paul's business. Paul argues that not only Corinth but also much more was his calling from God. The false teachers wanted to rule in Corinth like a petty local king. Paul will have none of that and is about to come and deal with them directly and, if need be, harshly.

In matters of church discipline, it is often the case that the gentle, gracious manner of leaders is interpreted by bad actors as evidence of weakness. In some cases that is true. A leader, that is a good leader, needs to have an internal switch while in the “off” position; all that is evident is their role as a gentle shepherd. But when false teachers or destructive individuals show up, that switch needs to be turned “on,” and then they are a warrior. Then they step up to destroy or pull down the evil persons’ strongholds. Failure to do so will ruin a congregation.

“Lord, help me to be bold in caring for the church. AMEN