2 Corinthians 10:3

3 Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards;

2 Corinthians 10:3 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 10:3

For though we walk in the flesh
The apostle removes the calumny of walking after the flesh, by owning that they were in the flesh, in the body, in a state of imperfection, attended with many weaknesses and infirmities, and surrounded with a variety of afflictions and sorrows; in this sense they were, and lived and walked in the flesh; but then he denies the charge exhibited against them,

we do not war after the flesh:
every Christian's life is a warfare with Satan, and his principalities and powers, with the world, the men and lusts of it, and with the corruptions of their own hearts; and much more is the life of a minister of the Gospel, who is called forth to meet the adversary in the gate; to stand in the hottest place of the battle, and sustain the whole fire and artillery of the enemy; to fight the good fight of faith, endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ, and with the weapons he is furnished with to war a good warfare: which is not done "after the flesh"; in such a manner as the men of the world wage war with one another; or upon carnal principles; or with carnal selfish views; or in a weak way and manner; but in a spiritual way, with all simplicity and disinterested views, with great courage and intrepidity of mind.

2 Corinthians 10:3 In-Context

1 I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—

2 I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards.

3 Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards;

4 for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments

5 and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Footnotes

• [a]. Gk [in the flesh]
• [b]. Gk [according to the flesh]