In 2 Corinthians 10 Paul addressed the sentiments of his opponents. It appears that some had said unkind things about the great apostle, and it is probable that some in Corinth had a negative view of the great man of God.
Paul’s appeal to be heard by them was centered in the authority he derived from Christ. He belonged to the Lord (vs. 7); the authority he exercised in edifying them came from the Lord (vs. 8); and as such he promised to come to them with weight and power in his words of admonition (vs. 9-11).
Paul’s concern was always to please Christ. He knew that as long as he did what the Lord told him to do that he would be in the right, and pleasing to Him. In his previous letter to the Corinthians he wrote, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
This perspective of Paul is discussed by him here in our text by contrasting it with a view that others held. He wrote, “For we are not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12). The idea that I am good because I am better than someone else is common, but untrue and dangerous.
Why? Because it is full of assumptions. First, it commonly employs a subjective standard. I am better than my fellow man because I am busier? More successful? More dynamic? More popular? More reviled? If I get to define success, I will tend to tailor it to suit myself. This kind of prideful approach will give a false sense of superiority.
Second, because others are not the standard. God is. My being better than any man, or all men, has no bearing on whether I have accomplished what God requires. If my focus is on others, I miss the point. As the Pharisee who said, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess” (Luke 18:11-12), my self-exaltation does not impress God.
The first lesson here is that such comparisons promote pride. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Our standing with God is not based upon our being better than others, it is based upon humble obedience to Him.
This final truth, the need to humble ourselves in obedience to God, is the thrust of Paul’s words in our text. Paul wrote, “We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere that includes you” (2 Corinthians 10:13). Paul’s concern was with what God instructed him to do. He knew that he would be judged by whether he had fulfilled his stewardship.
Consider Paul’s conclusion: “But ‘he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’ For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends” (10:17-18). Think of all the religious people who measure their acceptance with God based upon their own definitions of success. “Look at our numbers.” “Look at the ‘good’ we are doing.” Look how big we are, how enthusiastic we are, how much more successful than ‘you’.”
All that matters is that you are commended by the Lord. For this to be so, you must limit yourself to the “sphere which God appointed” (10:13). Without the approval of God, no other approval is of any consequence.
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