(Deuteronomy 4:2 [KJV]) Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I
command you.
(Proverbs 30:5, 6 [KJV]) Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
(Isaiah 28:10 [KJV])
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
(Isaiah 28:13 [KJV])
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
(2 Peter 1:20 [KJV])
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
All of the studies, book or topical, found here, are done with research with mainly two things: The KING JAMES BIBLE and a plain old, 1828 Webster's Dictionary. Why? Outside of actually studying secular and Jewish history, archaeology, one needs nothing more. You do not need foreign, dead languages that no one speaks, lexicons, concordances or commentaries, because they differ not only with one another and with the KING JAMES BIBLE, but they create division, confusion, debate, and unbelief. We do not need them. That Word of God written and preserved for us in our own language is supposed to be enough, like the Old Testament was for the Jews, and the New Testament for the early Christians in Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, German, etc. There are studies within as tangents on words, subjects found within the two testaments, as to broaden the scope of the study, to learn more, deeper truths. This is not an intellectual site with PhDs, theologians, and no worldly wisdom.. Check everything out, everything. Not just here, but with everything you read and see and hear. Be Bereans:
(Acts 17:11 [KJV])
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Always research for yourself, use all of the context, and never privately interpret!
CORINTH: RICH GREEK CITY/STATE
(Acts 18:1 [KJV])
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
(Acts 18:8 [KJV])
And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
(Acts 19:1,2 [KJV])
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He
said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
(2 Corinthians 1:1,2 [KJV])
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are
in all Achaia: Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call
upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
(2 Corinthians 1:23 [KJV])
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
(2 Corinthians 6:11 [KJV])
O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
(2 Timothy 4:20 [KJV])
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Lots of good, fresh water
Lots of good, arable soil
Lots of good clay for ceramics, pottery, etc., hence "Corinthian Pottery"
Shops, fountains, carved stone temples to the Greek gods, porticos, metal workshops abounded
As a part of a major shipping lane, Corinth has four ports, on the Gulf of Corinth, between two seas
A temple to Apollo was there
Another temple was one to Aphrodite, an acropolis known as Acrocorinth, that supplied prostitutes for the seafaring men, which made it a rich city
Perusing the two letters Paul wrote to them, it is obvious that they were apostate and backslidden.
2 CORINTHIANS 10: BOLDLY LOVING AND PROTECTING THE FLOCK
(2 Corinthians 10:1 [KJV])
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
Paul is not two faced, but rather showing them meekness, humility, to teach them the same
Boldness is not arrogance, it is being bold for Christ, not bold because we think of ourselves as something, anything
We are bold when we think of Who Christ is, not us
(2 Corinthians 10:2 [KJV])
But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
In other words, "Please do not make me be bold towards the arrogant people there. Handle it yourselves beforehand!"
There were some who thought that Paul thought a lot of himself, was perhaps being mean and untoward, because he corrected the ones who were teaching false doctrines
BESEE'CH, v.t. pret. and pp.besought.
To entreat; to supplicate; to implore; to ask or pray with urgency; followed by a person; as, "I Paul beseech you by the meekness of Christ,", 2 Cor 10; or by a thing; as, I beseech your patience.
(2 Corinthians 10:3 [KJV])
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
Paul preferred to avoid confrontation, to not have to have conflicts, but as a spiritual father, wanted them to follow Christ, teach the word, not allow anyone to bring in heresies, not to follow men who were sent of the enemy into the camp and congregation to disrupt, divide
But we are in a spiritual battle, with the enemy spiritual, using mens' flesh to fight it, mens' arrogance, mens' worldly knowledge, false accusations against His people
Peter warned of the same thing, about hereticks entering the assembly, this being only the first century at the time of this writing, now us being in the last century, last days, with the increase of the same now
PAUL: BOLD FOR CHRIST, LOVING THE FLOCK, WARNING OF ERROR
(Acts 20:22 [KJV])
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
Paul warned boldly
Paul warned constantly (night and day)
Paul warned lovingly (night and day WITH TEARS, WEEPING SORE)
Paul warned humbly, not stealing, fleecing the flock
Paul warned it would be insiders the enemy would use, more effectively than the outsiders
Paul warned with finality
(2 Peter 2:1 [KJV])
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
(2 Corinthians 10:4 [KJV])
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Prayer and the Word of God are the only weapons we have, and only weapons we need
Carnal weapons are physical threats, using the words of men, using our "degrees" our "education, our "wisdom of the world", all which will fade away, even with any temporary victory
Mighty through God is the Sword of the Spirit, the Spirit, and prayers-victorious
In the words of Dr. Floyd Nolen Jones, "Are our beliefs based upon our theoretical or our theological worldview"
(2 Corinthians 10:5 [KJV])
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Not just things, but "high things", as in "high and mighty, look at me go, follow me, I know more than you!". This "every high thing" is an idea that man is smarter than God, the nose in the air "air-ogance", "exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" is "higher" "education" which God has little regard for
Casting down imaginations by the Word of God, the Final Authority, which is true power from God
To bring into captivity to the obedience of Christ: "Does this line up with the Word of God? In context? Without private interpretation?"
Again, "ringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" is lining it up agains the Word of God to check it like a Berean
(2 Corinthians 10:6 [KJV])
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
To revenge all disobedience? Is not that being mean? No, it is being bold, making a whip of cords, saying "Get out of the temple! My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."
Sad to say, there has to be a time to be harsh, stern, severe, straightforward with people who cause trouble in the assembly, as a means of protection
Not all are mature and can be blown about by winds of doctrine, like prey to a predator, young believers, groups who follow men and not God
REVENGE, v.t. revenj'. [L. vindex, vindico. See Vindicate.]
To inflict pain or injury in return for an injury received. [Note. this word and avenge were formerly used as synonymous, and it is so used in the common version of the Scripture, and applied to the Supreme Being. "O Lord - revenge me of my persecutors." Jer 15. In consequence of a distinction between avenge and revenge which modern usage has introduced, the application of this word to the Supreme Being appears extremely harsh, irreverent and offensive. Revenge is now used in an ill sense, for the infliction of pain maliciously or illegally; avenge for inflicting just punishment.]
According to modern usage, to inflict pain deliberately and maliciously, contrary to the laws of justice and humanity, in return for injury, pain or evil received; to wreak vengeance spitefully on one who injures or offends. We say, to revenge an injury or insult, or with the reciprocal pronoun, to revenge ourselves on an enemy or for an injury, that is, to take vengeance or satisfaction.
To vindicate by punishment of an enemy. The gods are just and will revenge our cause. [According to modern usage, avenge should here be substituted for revenge.]
(Matthew 21:13 [KJV])
And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.
(Mark 11:17 [KJV])
And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
(Luke 19:46 [KJV])
Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.
(2 Corinthians 10:7 [KJV])
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
These people were boasting about their spirituality, the high and mighty ones, like the Pharisees, the ones who go to pastor's conferences as speakers, thinking they are better than the flock somehow
No man is any better than anyone else in spirituality, because of their education, status, position, title
If anyone was going to be "superior" it would be Paul, who never thought of himself as such-after he got saved
Yet, he did not, and told them not to, either
Nice suit? Nice tie? Nice jacket? Polished shoes? Is that your spirituality
PAUL, THE DUNG SLINGER
(Acts 23:6 [KJV])
But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
(Philippians 3:4-7 [KJV])
Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
(2 Corinthians 10:8-9 [KJV])
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
We as Christian men, Christian leaders have to know that we have the authority, the obligation, responsibility to correct error which causes confusion, division among the flock
This correction is for edification, mature growth, like a tree trained and taught to grow upward for eventual lumber into straight boards
We are to avoid controversy and conflict and confrontation as much as is possible but, at the same time, NOT avoid those who would come in and cause confusion, chaos, discord, dispute, today being "the scholars" who come in to say, "God said this, but in the original language it is that!" That is an "unfortunate mistranslation", that is a "copyist error", this is a "later addition", that is a "later deletion (rescission)", that's a "later change"
This behavior causes the destruction Paul mentions here, not his correcting it
(2 Timothy 3:13-17 [KJV])
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
(Titus 1:6-16 [KJV])
If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
(1 Timothy 1:5-7 [KJV])
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
(2 Corinthians 10:10 [KJV])
For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
This is called backstabbing, gossiping, being a busybody, like nitty natty little old ladies in a "prayer circle"
His speech was direct, straightforward, like Jesus Himself, not mincing words
Most likely they were like the people on Mars Hill, Acts 17:21, speaking nicely, saying "some new thing"
(1 Peter 4:15 [KJV])
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
(Matthew 11:8 [KJV])
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
(Luke 7:25 [KJV])
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
(2 Corinthians 10:11 [KJV])
Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
That same boldness will be there when we show up, so let's see how they act with us there
My guess? They are the very thing that they accuse Paul of being-one way when he is absent; another when he shows up. They will run and hide
(2 Corinthians 10:12 [KJV])
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
"Of the number" means the crowd, the mob, the majority
"Compare ourselves" with people who think so highly of themselves, falsely accusing Paul of thinking so highly of himself? No. No thanks.
"Compare ourselves" with people who compare themselves amongst each other to see who has more knowledge, more faith, more spirituality, more this, more that, the whole "keeping up with the Jones's" concept
Paul said we are to live by the rule of God's Word, not of the rules of men who think so highly of themselves, their traditions, their culture
(2 Corinthians 10:13 [KJV])
But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
He will not add to what God did in the way of his authority granted as an apostle, the power given to him by God to plant churches, raise up leaders, make disciples, etc.
This is what was distributed to him, nothing more, which means, like is often the case today, they themselves were boasting of things above their own measure, more authority, more power, miore gifts, more grace, more spirituality that God never gave them
(2 Corinthians 10:14 [KJV])
For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
God had given Paul and the disciples just enough to get the job done, no more, which would have made them boastful and proud as it was
Paul experienced this after getting saved (2 Corinthians 12:1 to the end)
(2 Corinthians 10:15 [KJV])
Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
This is boasting about thing that they did not even do, things others did, things God did, things they maybe even could not do but claim they can
People who want to advance, get titles in ministry will often put others down to do so, because it is not about God; it is about them
It is the same in the secular world, in large companies, where people do not do their own job well to advance, they merely belittle others, step over others to advance themselves
These Corinthians giving Paul a hard time need him to be out of the way so as to control the people, their doctrine. They were editiing his manuscripts, letters, redistributing them as theirs, removing, adding, deleting
(2 Corinthians 10:16 [KJV])
To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
Those who want to advance themselves for power, status, titles walk on the backs of others, not their own merit
They do these things for their own glory, not the Glory of God
(2 Corinthians 10:17 [KJV])
But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
This is always to be the reason for our ministry, not for our glory, ever
(2 Corinthians 10:18 [KJV])
For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
When men commend themselves, they are alsop often commended by other men and women, given awards, grow large ministries, take in lots of money, many riches, not realizing nor caring that those things will fade, rust, rot, pass away, stay here for others when they die, etc.
Then there are those who are approved of God, whose future is rich, their present rich in spiritual wisdom, from God, and know that eternal rewards await, which will never fade
