2 Corinthians 10:8

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 10:8

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority ,.... Than as yet he had done, or used to do; or rather the sense is, should he boast of a greater authority than the false apostles, or even than the true ministers of the Gospel in common had, he should not exceed the bounds of truth and modesty; for as an apostle he not only had an authority from Christ to preach the Gospel, and administer ordinances, but also had an extraordinary power of punishing offenders, as before observed: ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 10:8

For, though I should boast, etc. - I have a greater authority and spiritual power than I have yet shown, both to edify and to punish; but I employ this for your edification in righteousness, and not for the destruction of any delinquent. "This," says Calmet, "is the rule which the pastors of the Church ever propose to themselves in the exercise of their authority; whether to enjoin or forbid, to dispense or to oblige, to bind or to loose. They should use this power only as Jesus Christ used... read more

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

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 10:8-11

Assertion of his intentions. 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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 10:8-10

2 Corinthians 10:8-10. For though I should boast somewhat more Than I do, or they can do; of our apostolical authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification To bring sinners to repentance and faith in Christ, and so to promote holiness; and not for your destruction To drive any one to despair by excessive severity, or to the injury of any particular person; I should not be ashamed By my power failing me when I should try it on the disobedient among you. In saying that his... read more

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