I. Paul’s Attitude Toward Opponents, Embracing the Gentleness and Forbearance of Christ
Pastor David Jang examines all of 2 Corinthians chapter 10, paying close attention to Paul’s stance within the Corinthian church. Notably, he highlights that Paul’s tone in chapter 10 differs from the earlier parts of 2 Corinthians. This shift is closely tied to why Paul wrote in a firm and resolute manner. In this context, we can recall the so-called “letter of tears,” the reprimanding letter sent between 1 and 2 Corinthians, known for its severe tone. Both that letter’s sternness and the renewed firmness exhibited in 2 Corinthians 10 can be understood as Paul’s apostolic authority confronting false teachers who had infiltrated the church and seeking to resolve the resulting turmoil.
David Jang focuses especially on 2 Corinthians 10:1, where Paul writes, “Now I, Paul, urge you by the gentleness and forbearance of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent.” Pastor Jang analyzes Paul’s situation in concrete terms. Even the Corinthian church, which Paul himself had planted and taught, was criticizing him. Some claimed that, while Paul could write powerfully in his letters, he was unimpressive and lacking in ability when meeting face to face. They judged people based on “rhetorical skill” and “oratorical flair,” which were highly valued in the Hellenistic culture of the time. Thus, they ridiculed Paul by saying, “He writes well, but in person he is awkward in speech, physically unimpressive, and nothing special.”
David Jang highly praises Paul’s attitude in dealing with these opponents. He explains that the two words in 2 Corinthians 10:1—“gentleness” and “forbearance”—are key virtues that reveal the heart of Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus himself said in Matthew 11:29, “I am gentle and humble in heart,” so also Paul practiced gentleness and forbearance as he sought to guide and correct the church. The Greek term for gentleness, praus (πραΰτης), connotes humility, softness, and tenderness, while forbearance (epieikes, ἐπιεικής) refers to a calm, prudent disposition. Despite the presence of false teachers causing dissension and undermining Paul’s authority, Paul chose not to burst out in anger but to address them “with the gentleness and forbearance of Christ.” Pastor Jang describes this as a stance of outward meekness paired with inner strength—an “iron hand in a velvet glove.”
However, Paul did not simply accept insults without resistance. Moving on to 2 Corinthians 10:2–3, we see he clearly states his intention to show boldness. Those who slandered him in the church accused Paul and his companions of “walking according to the flesh,” implying they operated only by worldly methods and filled their own bellies. This charge likely stemmed from Paul’s mentions of financial matters in chapters 8 and 9 (concerning offerings) and in Romans 15:27. Though Paul said he was gathering collections to help impoverished believers in the Jerusalem church, his opponents twisted it to claim, “Paul is actually promoting offerings for his own personal gain.”
David Jang underscores that even in this situation, Paul maintained gentleness and forbearance while decisively preventing these opponents from further unsettling the church or misleading believers. Paul, having lived with a clear conscience before God and others, had no reason to fear such accusations. From Acts 20:33–35 and 1 Corinthians 4:12, we know Paul described his life as one of laboring with his own hands to cover expenses, enduring persecution, blessing when cursed, and desiring no one’s silver, gold, or clothing. Because of this lifestyle, he could confidently claim, “I do not live by the flesh.” Pastor Jang notes that this aspect of Paul’s life is a powerful example for modern church leaders and ministers. Even when faced with schemes and misunderstandings, if one is walking uprightly before the Lord, there is no need to waver. Fight the good fight for the gospel, but never lose gentleness and forbearance.
Particularly in 2 Corinthians 10:3 onward, Paul clarifies that his battle is “not according to the flesh.” He says, “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.” His every conflict is for one goal alone: building up the church, the body of Christ. Pastor Jang highlights that Paul’s notion of “war” here does not signify mere human quarrels or disputes but rather a spiritual battle to protect the gospel and keep the church from succumbing to false teaching. Paul’s gentleness and forbearance, therefore, operate hand in hand with his resolve to protect the truth—a resolve that displays a balanced blend of meekness and firmness in the gospel. David Jang notes that this dual aspect of Paul’s character is vividly illustrated in 2 Corinthians 10 and remains an essential model for modern churches and leaders. The gentleness and forbearance introduced at the beginning of the chapter, along with the boldness and apostolic authority that emerges, flow directly into Paul’s “good fight” and the power of the gospel, ultimately culminating in authentic boasting in Christ and receiving praise from the Lord.
II. The Good Fight Not According to the Flesh, and the Power of the Gospel
In 2 Corinthians 10:4–6, Paul makes the nature and motivation of his battle unmistakably clear. “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses,” he writes, “destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God.” Pastor Jang points out that Paul’s “battle” is not about subduing someone or venting personal feelings but entirely about rejecting and toppling false teachings, pride, selfishness, worldly standards, and human boasting. He does this through the truth of Christ. Above all, this battle does not involve personal attacks or physical force; it is “the battle of truth,” which tears down everything that sets itself against the knowledge of God.
Paul vividly underscores the power of the gospel by declaring that it can “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). That is, the gospel has the capacity to shatter the evil and arrogant thoughts lurking in the human heart and compel them to bow before Christ. David Jang explains this verse by stressing that all false concepts, pride, and vanity must inevitably crumble when confronted with the true gospel. In Galatians, Romans, Philippians, and other letters, Paul has repeatedly proclaimed the power of the gospel to destroy the grip of sin and death and lead people into the grace of Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 10, once again, he makes it clear that the “weapons of the gospel” are more than sufficient to pull down any false ideas and slander that disturb the church.
Yet, behind this great power stand gentleness and forbearance. Pastor Jang insists this is a crucial point: the power of the gospel does not demolish enemies violently or crush them in anger. Its ultimate aim is to strengthen God’s church. Indeed, Paul states in 2 Corinthians 10:6 that he is “ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete,” showing his readiness to discipline wrongdoing firmly. However, even this discipline serves a constructive purpose, not to ruin anyone or cause division, but to protect believers from falsehood and build up the church in unity.
As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:7, “You are looking at things as they are outwardly,” revealing that many of the Corinthian believers were too fixated on “externals”—such as rhetoric and public speaking skills, which were the era’s worldly measure of competence. They derided Paul for his apparent lack of confidence and unimpressive speech in person. In response, Paul confronts them: “If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we” (10:7). By doing so, Paul makes it clear that the true criterion for “belonging to Christ” is not outward appearance. God does not judge a person by external factors but rather by whether the person is truly guided by the Spirit of Christ, acts for the sake of the gospel, and does God’s will wholeheartedly.
David Jang applies this message to a common pitfall in the contemporary church: evaluating leaders or communities primarily by visible growth, apparent prowess, or charismatic gifts. Paul, indeed, found himself slandered because he could not match the worldly expectations of eloquence and commanding presence. But he never stepped back from his commitment to the power of the gospel, and through every conflict, he persisted in building up the church. In 2 Corinthians 10:8, he clarifies, “For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you…” This demonstrates how Paul regarded “authority” as a God-given tool—not to trample or dominate others, but to protect, guide, and nurture the flock. Therefore, if preserving the gospel meant confrontation, Paul was willing to engage in battle, though he did so grounded in love and gentleness.
In verses 9–11, Paul acknowledges candidly the ridicule he faced: “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.” Yet Paul asserts that he is the same person whether writing a letter or meeting in person, the one entrusted with building up the Corinthian church. David Jang points out that this highlights the consistency a church leader should maintain in tending and teaching the flock according to the gospel. Even if misunderstandings or criticism arise, one can continue to build up the church without wavering.
In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul further exposes the behavior of certain “self-commendatory” teachers who hailed from Jerusalem. These individuals boasted excessively about themselves and tried to sway people by external criteria. Paul states that those who “measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves are without understanding.” David Jang comments that many church disputes stem from such behaviors—leaders competing or clashing under worldly standards. This contradicts the biblical injunction to “boast in the Lord” (2 Cor. 10:17). What believers must do is exalt who God is and how amazing His authority and grace are, not show off their own achievements. Jeremiah 9:24 likewise instructs, “But let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me,” rather than boasting in outward or worldly matters. As Paul explains in Romans 15:20, “I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation,” demonstrating a missionary mindset that focuses on constructing new works for God’s kingdom rather than seeking to enhance one’s own reputation. Pastor Jang repeatedly draws attention to this principle.
Pastor David Jang’s main emphasis in examining 2 Corinthians 10 is that despite the disputes and slander, Paul consistently maintained “the gentleness and forbearance of Christ,” yet did not hesitate to wage a resolute battle to defend the truth of the gospel. Rather than fleshly desires or worldly objectives, it was a God-given authority for the edification of the church, tearing down the walls of deceit and pride and calling everyone to submit to Christ. In the end, those who fight in this way receive the honor of being “commended by the Lord.” Pastor Jang urges present-day believers and churches to imitate Paul by maintaining gentleness and forbearance amid conflict, yet willingly engaging in the good fight for truth. Genuine meekness and unwavering commitment to the gospel are not at odds. Instead, they constitute the very path to spiritual maturity.
III. Boast in the Lord, and Become One Who Is Commended by Him Alone
In the latter portion of 2 Corinthians 10, Paul contrasts his own “boasting” with that of his opponents. Pastor David Jang carefully interprets these verses to remind us what lay at the heart of the crisis in the Corinthian church. The false teachers who were troubling the church stole credit for work already accomplished by others, boasting in achievements that were not rightfully theirs, and drawing believers to their own side. But Paul clarifies, “But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us” (2 Cor. 10:13). Here, “measure” and “sphere” indicate the field of ministry God assigned to Paul. Just as Peter and James, who had official apostolic recognition from the Jerusalem church, were primarily responsible for the Jewish community, so was Paul commissioned to minister in Gentile regions, such as Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, and elsewhere. Thus, when Paul boasts about the Corinthian church, he is not applauding his personal accomplishments but glorifying the work God enabled him to do for the gospel in the field entrusted to him.
Pastor Jang highlights how disruptive it is to a church when people indulge in “boasting beyond measure.” Ignoring the sacrifices and tears of those who sowed seeds before them, later arrivals sometimes act as if the fruit is solely their own. This problem can also occur in modern churches, where the service and dedication of those who first planted or built up the church get brushed aside. That is precisely “boasting beyond measure.” Instead, we should emulate the attitude Paul conveys in 2 Corinthians 10:15–16: “But with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you … so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you.” This does not involve boasting in the achievements of others, but rather broadening the reach of the gospel. As Paul notes in Romans 15:20, he was committed to “not build on another man’s foundation.” He respected the labor of others and aimed to break new ground where the gospel had not yet been proclaimed—exemplifying genuine apostolic zeal.
Ultimately, in 2 Corinthians 10:17, Paul concludes with, “But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD,” a direct reference to Jeremiah 9:24—“let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me.” The essence is that our only true boasting must be about God and His work. Pastor Jang reiterates that all Christian boasting should revolve around “what grace God has shown me” and “how I serve Him.” Worldly pride about academic credentials, eloquence, or appearance holds no real value for building up the church or bearing spiritual fruit. Even if such boasting gains someone momentary attention, it will not produce lasting growth in the body of Christ. Therefore, Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 10:18, “For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.” This verse makes clear whom we should look to for approval. Relying on human praise or indulging in self-admiration is ultimately hollow. The only praise that truly matters and endures is the commendation that comes from the Lord.
Pastor Jang applies this teaching directly to today’s churches and believers. Even if, by worldly standards, a person seems weak or unimpressive, that person is truly blessed if God is with them and has given them a calling. Like Paul—despite being derided for his lack of polish—anyone who devotes themselves to the gospel and the welfare of fellow believers will surely be commended and used by God. Conversely, no matter how dazzling a person’s background, education, or speaking skills may be, if these gifts are used for self-glorification, they will yield little genuine fruit or approval from God. When disputes and divisions arise in the church, the essential remedy, according to Pastor Jang, is to recover the attitude of “boasting in the Lord and seeking His approval alone.”
Viewed this way, 2 Corinthians 10 offers profound lessons for contemporary churches. Paul’s gentleness and forbearance, his unbending resolve in defending the truth, his non-fleshly battle by the power of the gospel, and his commitment to boasting only in Christ and desiring God’s approval—these are vital principles for any church roiled by misunderstanding and conflict. Pastor Jang reminds us that Paul’s life itself stood as a sermon to others. Even when vilified over finances or personal relationships, Paul remained steadfast by presenting his life honestly in the gospel. He could demonstrate he was not living “according to the flesh,” and he could bear witness that the authority given to him was “not for destroying but for building up.” This reality is especially instructive for present-day church leaders. Whenever financial or authority-related tensions flare up in a congregation, we must ask whether we truly possess “the gentleness and forbearance of Christ,” whether we remain firm to defend the gospel, and whether our boast is in God’s work or our own credentials.
In summary, Pastor David Jang outlines three principal points from 2 Corinthians 10. First, when Paul confronted his adversaries, he displayed the gentleness and forbearance of Jesus Christ while courageously standing against forces that undermined the church. This reflects a tender outward bearing but unshakable inner strength. Second, Paul’s battle was not driven by fleshly or worldly concerns but was an act of spiritual warfare against formidable strongholds, powered by the gospel to further the constructive aim of establishing the church. Third, believers must direct all boasting not toward human talents or external factors but to the grace and mighty works of the Lord in the church, seeking only the approval that comes from God. These three lessons remain timeless and universally applicable, guiding the church through internal strife without compromising the essence of the gospel. Implementing them demands our constant humility and commitment to a gospel-centered lifestyle, as Pastor Jang emphasizes.
Hence, the controversies and accusations stirred up by both insiders and outsiders in Corinth were ultimately overcome as Paul governed the church in light of the power of the cross and the resurrection. Personal attacks did not faze him; he showed patience and kindness to the believers while assertively exercising his apostolic authority to address destructive doctrines. His underlying conviction was that “we prevail in the gospel,” sustained by a mindset of “seeking the Lord’s commendation, not that of humans.” From this example, Pastor Jang poses challenging questions for us today: “Where do we seek our boasting and praise? Is our battle firmly rooted in the power of the gospel and the love of Christ?” The “authority to build the church” that Paul describes is precisely what the Lord still desires from leaders today. This authority is never for indulging personal ambition or raising one’s own reputation, but for uplifting the church and guiding believers to mature faith.
Consequently, 2 Corinthians 10 is a window into Paul’s heart and apostolic authority. Through his exposition of this chapter, Pastor David Jang systematically emphasizes the spiritual principles we need: First, respond to slander and scheming within the church with the gentleness and forbearance of Christ. Second, do not compromise with those who seek to topple the church or its believers, but fight resolutely with the weapons of the gospel. Third, through it all, do not boast in yourself but boast in the Lord, seeking His praise. These are enduring truths that enable the church to hold fast to the essence of the gospel and flourish amid conflict and misunderstanding.
Finally, Pastor Jang reminds us of 2 Corinthians 10:17, “But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD,” urging everyone to devote themselves to living in a way that pleases the Lord. Only the Lord’s commendation makes our efforts genuinely worthwhile. People’s evaluations and praises can change in an instant, but the Lord’s approval is everlasting. Therefore, the consistent refrain of Pastor David Jang’s teaching on 2 Corinthians 10 is: “Even when facing adversaries, be gentle and forbearing in Christ; do not shrink from the good fight for the gospel; and let your boast be in the Lord, seeking His approval above all else.”
www.davidjang.org