2 Corinthians 10-13

Paul Defends His Authority

2Co 10:4-6 LSB - 

[4] for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the tearing down of strongholds, 

[5] as we tear down speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, 

[6] and are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is fulfilled.

2Co 10:13 LSB - [13] But we will not boast beyond [our] measure, but within the measure of the area of influence which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.

2Co 10:17 LSB - [17] But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.

Jer 9:24 LSB - [24] but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am Yahweh who shows lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares Yahweh.

 

Paul Defends His Apostleship

2Co 11:2 LSB - [2] For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, for I betrothed you to one husband, so that I might present you [as] a pure virgin to Christ.

2Co 11:30 LSB - [30] If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.

A Vision of Paradise

A Thorn in the Flesh

2Co 12:7-10 LSB - 

[7] Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! 

[8] Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. 

[9] And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. [10] Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions and hardships, for the sake of Christ, for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Concern for the Corinthian Church

2Co 12:15 LSB - [15] So I will most gladly spend and be fully spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

Examine Yourselves

2Co 13:5 LSB - [5] Test yourselves [to see] if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?