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The Exercise of Apostolic Authority
10: 1-11

The Corinthians’ regard for Paul had been steadily undermined both by actions on his part that they had misinterpreted, and by the invasion of rivals (to see link click Af – The Problem of the False Apostles) who made inroads by mockingly comparing Paul to themselves. Because those mischief makers had met with an embarrassing measure of success, Paul found himself in the uncomfortable position of having to defend himself against their annoying smear campaign and to explain his behavior as an apostle.203

Paul’s opponents had leveled the accusation against him that he lacked integrity since he presented himself as a ferocious lion who would only roar when he was far off in the woods, but was a timid lamb and would turn tail whenever he was confronted face-to-face (10:1-2, 9-11). Paul points out that his enemies, who judge him on the basis of human standards (10:2-3), have misread him and his ministry, seeing as “weakness” what should have been understood as Messiah’s powerful “meekness.” Evidently, some of the Corinthians themselves had joined in this misstep by judging him according to outward appearances (10:7a). Yet, using warfare language, Paul assures them that the boldness with which he writes will match the power of God, displayed in action when he sees the Corinthians face-to-face (10:2 and 11). Those who stand against him will be punished (10:6). But he is not trying to intimidate the church; rather, his boldness is meant for their spiritual good (10:8-9). Nevertheless, they will only be built up as they submit themselves in full obedience to his leadership (10:6).204