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2 Corinthians 10

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:

Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

What does 2 Corinthians 10:6 mean?

Explanation

"And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10:6, KJV) is a verse that is discussing the authority and readiness of the Apostle Paul to address issues of disobedience among the Corinthians after they have fully complied with his teachings.

The verse has both a literal and deeper meaning.

Literally, the Apostle is speaking about being prepared to take action against those who are disobedient.

On a deeper level, it conveys a message about spiritual authority and discipline within the Christian community, and how corrective measures will be taken once the majority have shown their commitment by being obedient.

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

The Apostle Paul wrote 2 Corinthians during a time when he was facing challenges to his authority and credibility from some within the Corinthian church.

These challenges may have arisen from Paul's adversaries who were questioning his credentials or from misunderstandings amongst the Corinthians themselves.

The letter was written in the mid-first century A.D. to address these issues and to defend his apostolic authority.

This particular verse reflects Paul's readiness to deal with disobedience, possibly referring to members within the church who were swayed by false teachings or living in ways inconsistent with Christian beliefs.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse underscores the principle of church discipline.

Some see this as an affirmation of apostolic authority bestowed upon leaders like Paul to correct and guide the church.

It also shows the balance between patience and discipline; Paul is ready to act, but only once the community has had an opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate their obedience.

The "readiness to revenge" refers to a kind of divine justice or correction rather than personal vendetta, guided by a desire to maintain the integrity of the church's faith and practice.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can be taken to mean that leaders should be patient with those they lead, offering them a chance to align with the right principles.

However, there should also be a readiness to take necessary actions to maintain discipline and order once all efforts for voluntary compliance have been made.

In a broader context, individuals can interpret this as encouragement to be forbearing but also to have a sense of justice in personal and communal relations.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 4:21: "What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?"
2 Corinthians 2:9: "For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things."
2 Timothy 4:2: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine."

Language Study

The phrase "in a readiness" in the original Greek is "ἐν ἑτοίμῳ" (en hetoimo), which conveys a state of preparedness or readiness.

The word "revenge" used here is translated from "ἐκδικέω" (ekdikeo), which means to 'carry out justice' or 'vindicate'. The focus of the term is more about setting things right than seeking personal retaliation.

"Disobedience" comes from "παρακοή" (parakoē), meaning 'the state of being disobedient' or 'non-compliance'.

Lastly, "when your obedience is fulfilled" involves the word "πληρωθῇ" (plērōthē), which means 'to be made full' or 'completed', suggesting a sense of completion or full manifestation of obedience.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This concept of readiness to correct disobedience can be found in varying forms across many religious traditions.

In Judaism, the idea of communal discipline is present within the context of keeping the community aligned with the Torah’s commandments.

In Islam, there are also teachings about community leaders maintaining order and guiding members back to correct practices.

Although the specific approach and context differ, many ancient and contemporary religions address the necessity to uphold moral and ethical standards within their respective communities.

Scientific Perspectives

While there are no direct scientific perspectives on this verse, the broader concepts of community norms and social regulation studied in sociology and psychology resonate with the idea of maintaining group cohesion through established boundaries and corrective measures.

The human propensity to follow established social norms and the effects of conformity or non-conformity on group dynamics are areas extensively studied in the social sciences.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse offer a variety of interpretations.

Some scholars focus on the pastoral aspect of Paul's message, emphasizing the need for loving but firm church discipline.

Others might analyze the apostolic authority present in this verse and how it reflects the early Christian understanding of leadership.

Still, others might tie this to Paul's broader discussions of spiritual warfare and the struggle against false teachings and immorality within the church.

There is general agreement, however, that Paul is not advocating for personal vengeance but rather for the corrective measures necessary to maintain the spiritual health of the community.

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10

What does 2 Corinthians 10:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 2 Corinthians 10:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?