Reading for December 11th

 Read 2 Corinthians 10.1-18. In 10.1-13.10: Paul defends his ministry. In 10.1-11: Taking the offensive. In verse 1; The character of Christ figures prominently in chs. 10-13 (11.4; Mt 11.29). Humble ... bold: paul mimics his opponents' description of him (v. 10). In verses 2-4: Human translates "sarx," literally flesh. It denotes an outlook opposed to God and concerned primarily with oneself. In verses 4-6:  The military imagery serves to draw the battle lines between Paul and his opponents. He sees the controversy as more a battle or words; it is a conflict of a much higher order (Rom 13.12; Eph 6.10-17). In verse 7: Paul's fidelity to Christ was an issue. In verses 8-9: The source and nature of Paul's authority are concerns throughout this section (13.10). In verses 10: This identifies two important criticisms: inconsistent behavior (1.15-22) and poor speaking ability (4.2; 11.6). In verses 12-18: Limits of self-promotion. In verse 12: Commend themselves: Paul was probably accused of making himself the center of his preaching (3.1-3; 4.5; 5.12). Now he criticizes his opponents for promoting themselves as a way of gaining favor. in verses 13-16: Paul regarded Achaia as the region God assigned him. He thinks the "super-apostles" (12.111) have invaded his territory. He preferred to work where no one else had been (Rom 15.20). In verse 17: Jer 9.23-24: see 1 Cor 1.31. In verse 18: Paul consistently defers to God's judgment (1 Cor 4.3-4). Comments or Questions..