2 Corinthians 10:7

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:7-11

In these verses the apostle proceeds to reason the case with the Corinthians, in opposition to those who despised him, judged him, and spoke hardly of him: ?Do you,? says he, ?look on things after the outward appearance? 2 Cor. 10:7. Isa. this a fit measure or rule to make an estimate of things or persons by, and to judge between me and my adversaries?? In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despicable with some; he did not make a figure, as perhaps some of his competitors might do: but this... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:7-18

10:7-18 Look at what lies in front of you. If anyone confidently believes that he belongs to Christ, let him examine his own case again, because, just as he belongs to Christ, so do we also. If I make what might look like excessive claims about our authority--that authority which the Lord gave us to upbuild you and not to destroy you--I will not be put to shame. And I am going to do just that very thing so that I may not seem, as it were, to be striking terror into you through a series of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:7

Do ye look on things after the outward appearance ,.... Or "look upon things", ironically said; or "ye do look on things", a reproof for making judgment of persons and things, by the outward appearance of them; so many judged of Paul by the meanness of his person, the weakness of his body, the lowness of his voice, his outward circumstances of life, his poverty, afflictions, and persecutions; and despised him; whilst they looked upon the riches, eloquence, haughty airs, noisiness, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:7

Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? - Do not be carried away with appearances; do not be satisfied with show and parade. If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's - Here, as in several other places of this and the preceding epistle, the τις , any or certain, person, most evidently refers to the false apostle who made so much disturbance in the Church. And this man trusted to himself - assumed to himself that he was Christ's messenger: it would not do to attempt to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:7

Verse 7 7.That are according to appearance. In the first place, the clause according to appearance, may be taken in two ways: either as meaning the reality itself, visible and manifest, or an outward mask, (765) that deceives us. The sentence, too, may be read either interrogatively or affirmatively: nay more, the verb βλέπετε may be taken either in the imperative mood, or in the subjunctive. I am rather of opinion, however, that it is expressive of chiding, and that the Corinthians are... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 10:1-7

No one can fail to notice the change in the tone of the Epistle which appears in this chapter. Every thoughtful reader of St. Paul knows how abrupt his transitions frequently are, and how rapidly he digresses from his main point to something incidental to his topic. His mental associations are governed by two distinct laws—first, by ideas exciting feelings which lead him to diverge from his main line; and next, by emotions arising from some occult source that vary his action of intellect. In... 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 10:7

Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? Like many clauses in this section, the words are capable of different interpretations. They might mean, read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:7

Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? - This is addressed evidently to the members of the church, and with reference to the claims which had been set up by the false teachers. There can be no doubt that they valued themselves on their external advantages, and laid claim to special honor in the work of the ministry, because they were superior in personal appearance, in rank, manners, or eloquence to Paul. Paul reproves them for thus judging, and assures them that this was not a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 10:7

2 Corinthians 10:7. Do ye look on the outward appearance of things Judging of me by my outward person, and the infirmities of my body, (2 Corinthians 10:1-2,) and not from the power of Christ resting on me, and working by me? 2 Corinthians 12:9. If any man trust Πεποιθεν εαυτω , be confident, in himself; that he is Christ’s minister And claims authority on that account; let him think this again Let him consider seriously; that as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s Nor can any... read more

Group of Brands