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Because, the person approved is not the one who recommends himself, but rather the one the Supreme Being recommends.1
| 1 | The one the Supreme Being recommends: Or, commend, approves; BAS: for the Master’s approval of a man is not dependent on his opinion of himself, but on the Master’s opinion. Consistent with the verse from Jeremiah 9:24, “the Lord” here [HO KYRIOS] is Yehowah. Compare the Nazarene’s principle at Luke 18:14. [Romans 2:29; 1 Corinthians 4:5] |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose 2 Corinthians 10:18 as the theme verse of the chapter – Fleshly Appraisal or God’s Approval. Paul begins to move into an important thrust of his letter: his defense against his opponents and accusers within the Corinthian congregation, no doubt including certain elders. Paul describes this conflict as a “war against entrenched attitudes” within the congregation. Some of these attitudes were fleshly evaluations of Paul and his associates. [1-6] Paul warns that their weapons are not fleshly but are powerful for pulling down strongholds [within the congregation. Within the congregation ‘every thought must be obedient to Christ.’ Paul cautions that he and his associates “stand ready to avenge every disobedience.”
The Corinthians have made the mistake of judging Paul by “face value” alone. [7-12] Paul is aware what some have been saying – likely arrogant elders – that “his bodily presence is weak and his discourse ought to be treated as utterly nothing.” Those who measure themselves by their own standards are without understanding. At the end of the day what counts is not the appraisal of humans but God’s own recommendation. [13-18]
One of the worst sins in the Christian Church is that of “politics.” This is almost always the result of pride and jealousy. There will always be those who wish to be compared on an equality with others, and when they are not they will do all they can to destroy and bring down the object of their jealousy. This is spread as harmful gossip and slander, whether in whispered speech or in internet email.
May Heaven bless those who boast in Jehovah and not themselves.
[21 June 2002]
