2 Corinthians 10 Footnotes

10:1 It is sometimes argued that the severe tone in chaps. 10–13 is evidence that it is a later and separate letter since chap. 9 ends on a positive note. This is an unnecessary conclusion, however, since it fails to recognize Paul’s pastoral method. In chaps. 8–9 (the uncompleted collection) and 10–13 (the upcoming final visit), he began quite directly and strongly but ended positively and encouragingly. Changes of tone within and between passages are not evidence of a fragmented letter.

10:3-5 In keeping with his personal strategy in engaging in discussion with Jews in synagogues and Athenians on the Areopagus (Mars Hill), Paul here advocated the importance of depending upon divine resources rather than human methods and strategies. When we use theological and philosophical reasoning in presenting or defending the gospel, we are to do so graciously, humbly, and prayerfully (1Pt 3:15-16).