2 Corinthians 10

      7-11. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? The Revision omits the question. Perhaps his opposers claimed some external advantages, that they were from Judea, had been disciples of Christ on earth, etc. If such an one claimed to be Christ's on this, or any ground, Paul had equal claims. 8. Though I should boast, etc. A comparison of claims to privilege and authority would not put him to shame. Not for your destruction. His power and authority were given to save men; he desires not to have to use them to fulminate censures. 9, 10. That I may not seem, etc. His enemies said that his letters were weighty and stern, but his presence was very different. In other words, he terrified by empty threats. 11. Let such an one think this. Let all who make such statements know that when I come I will in presence do just as I have written.

      12-18. We dare not make ourselves of the number. This no doubt ironically alludes to teachers who had come to Corinth making lofty claims, to whom repeated allusions are made. These set themselves up as the standard by which all Christian teachers were to be tried. 13. We will not boast of things without our measure. Will not, like those just alluded to, suffer our boasting to carry us beyond all bounds. But according to the measure. We confine ourselves simply to the line of action assigned to us by the Lord. To reach even unto you. The line assigned by the Lord ( Gal. 2:7-9 ) sent Paul to the Gentiles. 14. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure. This verse renders clearer the thought in those preceding. The Judaizers said that Paul had exceeded his commission in coming to Corinth, that he had no authority there. He asserts that not he, but they had gone beyond the measure. Others were apostles to the circumcision; he and Barnabas to the uncircumcision. When he came to Europe he was sent by the Spirit ( Acts 16:9 ). 15. Not boasting . . . of other men's labors. It was Paul's uniform course to preach where no one before him had preached the gospel. Having hope, etc. The passage expresses the hope that his success at Corinth and the support of the church will enable him to carry the gospel beyond. That city, at this time, was the western limit of his work. The thought is made clear by verse 16 . 16. To preach the gospel . . . beyond you. Where no man has yet preached. 17. But he that glorieth, let him, etc. Quoted from Jer. 11:23 . It gives the true rule of boasting. Let the Lord be our boast, for we are nothing. 18. He whom the Lord commendeth is the one who hath approval; not he who commends himself; a hint to every disciple and preacher. Let our works and life speak for us, not our lips.