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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:8

Verse 8 8.For though I should boast more largely of my authority. It was a sign of modesty, that he put himself into the number of those, whom he greatly excelled. At the same time, he was not disposed to show such modesty, as not to retain his authority unimpaired. He accordingly adds, that he has said less than his authority entitled him to say; for he was not one of the ordinary class of ministers, but was even distinguished among the Apostles. Hence he says: “Though I should boast more, I... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:9

Verse 9 9That I may not seem to terrify. Again he touches on the calumny which he had formerly refuted, (2 Corinthians 10:2,) that he was bold in his writings, while in their presence his courage failed him. On this pretext they disparaged his writings. (769) “What!” Said they, “will he terrify us by letters when at a distance, while, if present with us, he would scarcely venture to mutter a word!” Lest, therefore, his letters should have less weight, he answers, that no objection is advanced... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:1-18

Plunging at once into his subject, with a solemn appeal, he declares his apostolic power (verses 1-8), and that he will exercise it in person as well as by letters, in answer to the taunt of his opponents (verses 9-11). He then shows that his estimate of himself is formed on very different methods from those of his adversaries (verses 12-16), and that he referred all grounds of boasting solely to the judgment of God (verses 17, 18). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:8

Should boast. In this section St. Paul is thoroughly haunted by this word. The fact that a word could thus possess and dominate over his style and imagination shows how deeply he was moved. The Corinthian Church, with its inflated factions and their fuglemen, recked with beasting, and St. Paul is driven, with utter distaste, to adopt in self-defence language which, to the uncandid and indiscriminating, might seem to wear the same aspect. The word, which is unfrequent in other Epistles,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:9

By letters; rather, by the letters . He had certainly addressed two letters to them ( 1 Corinthians 5:9 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:10

Say they; literally, says he . The phrase may, indeed, imply "it is said" ( on dit ) ; but it may refer to one main critic and opponent. Perhaps it would have been wiser and kinder if no one had reported to St. Paul all these subterranean calumnies and innuendoes. Weighty and strong. This could not be denied, considering the immense effect which had been produced by his first letter ( 2 Corinthians 7:7 ). His bodily presence is weak. This is usually taken to mean that St.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:11

Such a one. A formula used to avoid mentioning a special name (see note on 2 Corinthians 2:7 ). Such will we be; rather, such are we . The verb is not expressed, but it would have been if the future tense had been intended. In this verse St. Paul is not saying what he would do hereafter, but is rebutting with calmness and dignity the false charge that he was in any way different when absent from what he was when present. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:8

For though I should boast ... - If I should make even higher claims than I have done to a divine commission. I could urge higher evidence than I have done that I am sent by the Lord Jesus.Of our authority - Of my authority as an apostle, my power to administer discipline, and to direct the affairs of the church.Which the Lord hath given us for edification - A power primarily conferred to build up his people and save them and not to destroy.I should not be ashamed - It would be founded on good... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:9

That I may not seem ... - The meaning of this verse seems to be this. “I say that I might boast more of my power in order that I may not appear disposed to terrify you with my letters merely. I do not threaten more than I can perform. I have it in my power to execute all that I have threatened, and to strike an awe not only by my letters, but by the infliction of extraordinary miraculous punishments. And if I should boast that I had done this, and could do it again, I should have no reason to... read more

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