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Text -- 2 Corinthians 10:3 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
10:3 For though we live as human beings, we do not wage war according to human standards,
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey , Lapide

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: 2Co 10:3 - -- In the flesh ( en sarki ). But that is a very different thing from walking kata sarka according to the standards of the flesh as his enemies charge...

In the flesh ( en sarki ).

But that is a very different thing from walking kata sarka according to the standards of the flesh as his enemies charged. It is easy enough to make insinuations.

Robertson: 2Co 10:3 - -- We war ( strateuometha ). Literary plural again after logizomai in 2Co 10:2. Old word to lead an army (stratos ). In N.T. only in the middle as he...

We war ( strateuometha ).

Literary plural again after logizomai in 2Co 10:2. Old word to lead an army (stratos ). In N.T. only in the middle as here. Paul admits that he fights, but only the devil and his agents even if wearing the livery of heaven. Paul knew the Roman army well. He knows how to use the military metaphor.

Vincent: 2Co 10:3 - -- In the flesh Being human, and subject to human conditions.

In the flesh

Being human, and subject to human conditions.

Vincent: 2Co 10:3 - -- War ( στρατευόμεθα ) Serve as soldiers: carry on our campaign. See on Luk 3:14; see on Jam 4:1.

War ( στρατευόμεθα )

Serve as soldiers: carry on our campaign. See on Luk 3:14; see on Jam 4:1.

Vincent: 2Co 10:3 - -- After the flesh Or according to (Rev.). Quite a different thing from being in the flesh.

After the flesh

Or according to (Rev.). Quite a different thing from being in the flesh.

Wesley: 2Co 10:3 - -- In mortal bodies, and, consequently, are not free from human weakness.

In mortal bodies, and, consequently, are not free from human weakness.

Wesley: 2Co 10:3 - -- Against the world and the devil.

Against the world and the devil.

Wesley: 2Co 10:3 - -- By any carnal or worldly methods. Though the apostle here, and in several other parts of this epistle, speaks in the plural number, for the sake of mo...

By any carnal or worldly methods. Though the apostle here, and in several other parts of this epistle, speaks in the plural number, for the sake of modesty and decency, yet he principally means himself. On him were these reflections thrown, and it is his own authority which he is vindicating.

JFB: 2Co 10:3 - -- Reason why they should regard him "beseeching" them (2Co 10:2) not to oblige him to have recourse to "bold" and stern exercise of authority. "We walk ...

Reason why they should regard him "beseeching" them (2Co 10:2) not to oblige him to have recourse to "bold" and stern exercise of authority. "We walk IN the flesh," and so in weakness: but not "ACCORDING TO the flesh" (2Co 10:2). Moreover, though we WALK in it, we do not WAR according to it. A double contrast or antithesis. "They who accuse us of walking after the flesh, shall find [to their cost] that we do not war after the flesh; therefore compel us not to use our weapons" [ALFORD].

Clarke: 2Co 10:3 - -- Though we walk in the flesh - That is: Although I am in the common condition of human nature, and must live as a human being, yet I do not war after...

Though we walk in the flesh - That is: Although I am in the common condition of human nature, and must live as a human being, yet I do not war after the flesh - I do not act the coward or the poltroon, as they insinuate. I have a good cause, a good captain, strength at will, and courage at hand. I neither fear them nor their master.

Calvin: 2Co 10:3 - -- 3.For though we walk in the flesh. Walking in the flesh means here — living it the world; or, as he expresses it elsewhere, being at home in the...

3.For though we walk in the flesh. Walking in the flesh means here — living it the world; or, as he expresses it elsewhere,

being at home in the body. (2Co 5:6.)

For he was shut up in the prison of his body. This, however, did not prevent the influence of the Holy Spirit from showing itself marvelously in his weakness. There is here again a kind of concession, which, at the same time, is of no service to his adversaries.

Those war according to the flesh, who attempt nothing but in dependence upon worldly resources, in which alone, too, they glory. They have not their confidence placed in the government and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Paul declares that he is not one of this class, inasmuch as he is furnished with other weapons than those of the flesh and the world. Now, what he affirms respecting himself is applicable, also, to all true ministers of Christ. 754 For they

carry an inestimable treasure in earthen vessels,

as he had previously said. (2Co 4:7.) Hence, however they may be surrounded with the infirmities of the flesh, the spiritual power of God, nevertheless, shines forth resplendently in them.

Defender: 2Co 10:3 - -- Paul often used a military metaphor to describe the Christian life (2Ti 2:3, 2Ti 2:4). In this verse, "flesh" is not used theologically, but physiolog...

Paul often used a military metaphor to describe the Christian life (2Ti 2:3, 2Ti 2:4). In this verse, "flesh" is not used theologically, but physiologically, referring to our natural human abilities. We "walk" like all natural men physically, but our warfare is conducted in the realm of the spirit, not with swords or guns."

TSK: 2Co 10:3 - -- walk : Gal 2:20; 1Pe 4:1, 1Pe 4:2 we do : 2Co 10:4; Rom 8:13; 1Ti 1:18; 2Ti 2:3, 2Ti 2:4, 2Ti 4:7; Heb 12:1

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 2Co 10:3 - -- For though we walk in the flesh - Though we are mortal like other people; though we dwell like them in mortal bodies, and necessarily must devo...

For though we walk in the flesh - Though we are mortal like other people; though we dwell like them in mortal bodies, and necessarily must devote some care to our temporal needs; and though, being in the flesh, we are conscious of imperfections and frailties like others. The sense is, that he did not claim exemption from the common needs and frailties of nature. The best of people are subject to these needs and frailties; the best of people are liable to err.

We do not war after the flesh - The warfare in which he was engaged was with sin, idolatry, and all forms of evil. He means that in conducting this he was not actuated by worldly views or policy, or by such ambitious and interested aims as controlled the people of this world. This refers primarily to the warfare in which Paul was himself engaged as an apostle; and the idea is, that he went forth as a soldier under the great Captain of his salvation to fight his battles and to make conquests for him. A similar allusion occurs in 2Ti 2:3-4. It is true, however, that not only all ministers, but all Christians are engaged in a warfare; and it is equally true that they do not maintain their conflict "after the flesh,"or on the principles which govern the people of this world. The warfare of Christians relates to the following points:

(1) It is a warfare with the corrupt desires and sensual propensities of the heart; with eternal corruption and depravity, with the remaining unsubdued propensities of a fallen nature.

\caps1 (2) w\caps0 ith the powers of darkness; the mighty spirits of evil that seek to destroy us; see Eph 6:11-17.

\caps1 (3) w\caps0 ith sin in all forms; with idolatry, sensuality, corruption, intemperance, profaneness, wherever they may exist. The Christian is opposed to all these, and it is the aim and purpose of his life as far as he may be able to resist and subdue them. He is a soldier enlisted under the banner of the Redeemer to oppose and resist all forms of evil. But his warfare is not conducted on worldly principles. Muhammed propagated his religion with the sword; and the people of this world seek for victory by arms and violence; The Christian looks for his conquests only by the force and the power of truth, and by the agency of the Spirit of God.

Poole: 2Co 10:3 - -- There is a great difference between walking in the flesh, and warring after the flesh. The best of men in this life walk in the flesh, as their soul...

There is a great difference between walking in the flesh, and warring after the flesh. The best of men in this life walk in the flesh, as their souls are not in a state of separation from, but union with, the body; but they do not walk after the flesh, as their fleshly appetite is not the principle of their actions, nor the satisfaction of it the end of their actions. The apostle, in the latter part of the verse changeth the verb; in the former part he called our conversation, a walking; in the latter part he calleth it a warring; which he describeth negatively in this verse, positively in the following verses. In calling it a warring, he lets us know that it is, and will be, a life of opposition, in which a Christian will have many enemies; though his hand be against none, yet many hands will be against him. But though they be men of strife and contention, in a passive sense, yet they are not so in an active sense, according to the usual notion of warring; for they war not after the flesh, neither as fleshly men, nor in a carnal, fleshly manner, nor yet for fleshly ends. The men of the world war for their honour and glory, or for revenge and satisfaction of their lusts, or for the enlarging of their territories and dominions; but

we do not thus war after the flesh

Haydock: 2Co 10:1-11 - -- Who in presence indeed am lowly. [1] Literally, humble, (see Luke i. ver. 48.) that is, of a mean aspect, as to exterior appearances, and my speec...

Who in presence indeed am lowly. [1] Literally, humble, (see Luke i. ver. 48.) that is, of a mean aspect, as to exterior appearances, and my speech contemptible, without the ornaments of human eloquence, but am said to be bold when absent, reprehending and threatening by my letters, which are owned to be weighty and strong, let such persons think , and be convinced, that such as I am by my letters, they shall find me by deeds, when I come, and shall be present with them. I desire and beseech you, that I may not be bold when I come, to make use of my authority, nor of those spiritual arms and weapons, of censures and excommunications, nor perhaps of exemplary punishments, which God sometimes in a miraculous manner shewed by his apostle. See the examples of Ananias and Saphira struck dead at St. Peter's words, (Acts v.) of Elymas struck with blindness for opposing St. Paul's preaching. (Acts xiii.) He puts them in mind, that the power, which God has given to his apostles, is so great and prevalent, that no force upon earth has been able to resist or hinder the designs of God, as to the spreading of the gospel, and the faith of Christ, and as he expresseth it, to the destruction of fortifications, we subverting counsels, and every thing that opposed the knowledge of God, who reduceth whom he pleaseth to the obedience of Christ. He admonishes them all to return to the obedience due to him, and the true ministers of the gospel, lest he be obliged to revenge, that is, punish such as remain disobedient. He acknowledges that his apostolical power was given him for the good and edification of the faithful, not for their destruction, which he will take care not to abuse. In fine, he tells them here in short, and more at large in the following chapter, that they may, if they please, consider outward appearances, his apostolical functions, the miracles God has wrought in his favour, what he has done, and suffered, by which will appear the advantages he has above his adversaries, who spoke with contempt of him. (Witham)

Gill: 2Co 10:3 - -- For though we walk in the flesh,.... The apostle removes the calumny of walking after the flesh, by owning that they were in the flesh, in the body, i...

For though we walk in the flesh,.... The apostle removes the calumny of walking after the flesh, by owning that they were in the flesh, in the body, in a state of imperfection, attended with many weaknesses and infirmities, and surrounded with a variety of afflictions and sorrows; in this sense they were, and lived and walked in the flesh; but then he denies the charge exhibited against them,

we do not war after the flesh: every Christian's life is a warfare with Satan, and his principalities and powers, with the world, the men and lusts of it, and with the corruptions of their own hearts; and much more is the life of a minister of the Gospel, who is called forth to meet the adversary in the gate; to stand in the hottest place of the battle, and sustain the whole fire and artillery of the enemy; to fight the good fight of faith, endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ, and with the weapons he is furnished with to war a good warfare: which is not done "after the flesh"; in such a manner as the men of the world wage war with one another; or upon carnal principles; or with carnal selfish views; or in a weak way and manner; but in a spiritual way, with all simplicity and disinterested views, with great courage and intrepidity of mind.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 2Co 10:3 Grk “according to the flesh.”

Geneva Bible: 2Co 10:3 ( 2 ) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: ( 2 ) Secondly, he witnesses that although he is similar to other men, yet he c...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 2Co 10:1-18 - --1 Against the false apostles, who disgraced the weakness of his person and bodily presence, he shows the spiritual might and authority with which he w...

MHCC: 2Co 10:1-6 - --While others thought meanly, and spake scornfully of the apostle, he had low thoughts, and spake humbly of himself. We should be aware of our own infi...

Matthew Henry: 2Co 10:1-6 - -- Here we may observe, I. The mild and humble manner in which the blessed apostle addresses the Corinthians, and how desirous he is that no occasion m...

Barclay: 2Co 10:1-6 - --Right at the beginning of this passage are two words which set the whole tone which Paul wishes to use. He speaks of the gentleness and the sweet rea...

Constable: 2Co 10:1--13:11 - --IV. APPEALS CONCERNING PAUL'S APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY 10:1--13:10 In this third and last major division of his epist...

Constable: 2Co 10:1-18 - --A. Replies to charges made against Paul 10:1-18 Paul responded to charges of cowardice, weakness, and in...

Constable: 2Co 10:1-6 - --1. Reply to the charge of cowardice 10:1-6 10:1-2 Paul may have identified himself by name here so his readers would have no doubt that what he procee...

College: 2Co 10:1-18 - --2 CORINTHIANS 10 VII. FINAL DEFENSE OF MINISTRY (10:1-13:10) Interpreters of 2 Corinthians agree universally that 10:1 initiates a clean break from ...

McGarvey: 2Co 10:3 - --For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh

Lapide: 2Co 10:1-18 - --CHAPTER 10 SYNOPSIS OF THE CHAPTER i. In this and the two next chapters Paul defends his apostleship against the false apostles, who held him up to...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) Second Corinthians From Macedonia a.d. 54 Or 55 By Way of Introduction The Pauline authorship is admitted by all real scholars, though there is ...

JFB: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) THE following reasons seem to have induced Paul to write this Second Epistle to the Corinthians: (1) That he might explain the reasons for his having ...

JFB: 2 Corinthians (Outline) THE HEADING; PAUL'S CONSOLATIONS IN RECENT TRIALS IN ASIA; HIS SINCERITY TOWARDS THE CORINTHIANS; EXPLANATION OF HIS NOT HAVING VISITED THEM AS HE HA...

TSK: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) The most remarkable circumstance in this Epistle, observes Mr. Scott, is the confidence of the Apostle in the goodness of his cause, and in the power ...

TSK: 2 Corinthians 10 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 2Co 10:1, Against the false apostles, who disgraced the weakness of his person and bodily presence, he shows the spiritual might and auth...

Poole: 2 Corinthians 10 (Chapter Introduction) CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 10

MHCC: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) The second epistle to the Corinthians probably was written about a year after the first. Its contents are closely connected with those of the former e...

MHCC: 2 Corinthians 10 (Chapter Introduction) (2Co 10:1-6) The apostle states his authority with meekness and humility. (2Co 10:7-11) Reasons with the Corinthians. (2Co 10:12-18) Seeks the glory...

Matthew Henry: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians In his former epistle the apostle had signified his i...

Matthew Henry: 2 Corinthians 10 (Chapter Introduction) There was no place in which the apostle Paul met with more opposition from false apostles than at Corinth; he had many enemies there. Let not any o...

Barclay: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS TO THE CORINTHIANS The Greatness Of Corinth A glance at the map will show that Corinth was made for greatness. The south...

Barclay: 2 Corinthians 10 (Chapter Introduction) Paul Begins To Answer His Critics (2Co_10:1-6) Paul Continues To Answer His Critics (2Co_10:7-18)

Constable: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background First Corinthians did not dispel the problems in th...

Constable: 2 Corinthians (Outline) Outline I. Introduction 1:1-11 A. Salutation 1:1-2 B. Thanksgiving for c...

Constable: 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Bibliography Alford, Henry. The Greek Testament. 4 vols. Reprint ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Book Hou...

Haydock: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE CORINTHIANS. INTRODUCTION. The subject and design of this second Epistle to the Corinthian...

Gill: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORINTHIANS This epistle, according to the subscription at the end of it, was written from Philippi of Macedonia; and though the ...

Gill: 2 Corinthians 10 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORINTHIANS 10 In this chapter the apostle has chiefly to do with the false teachers, and it is taken up in refuting their calumn...

College: 2 Corinthians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION Studying 2 Corinthians plunges the modern reader back to the real, tumultuous world of early Christianity. The simple ideals of sharing ...

College: 2 Corinthians (Outline) OUTLINE I. OPENING - 1:1-2 II. THANKSGIVING - 1:3-11 A. GOD COMFORTS - 1:3-7 B. GOD DELIVERS - 1:8-11 III. DEFENSE OF INTEGRITY - 1:12...

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