Saturday Studies 2nd Corinthians 10 2-8-2025

Chapter 10 of 2nd Corinthians begins the last section of the book. Paul addresses some in Corinth who seemed offended by his first letter, saying that when he was there in person he was a meek or mild tent maker who shared the gospel, but in his first letter to them he seemed hard and authoritative. Paul's response was that his authority given to him as an apostle was for the purpose of edifying the people. He wanted to be humble and peaceable upon his return, but if necessary, he could display God's strength. He also used the Lord Jesus as his, and our, supreme example in everything and that people who compared themselves with other people instead of the Lord's example were not wise.
He also spoke of what he called the "sphere" of his authority. He probably would have rather referred to it as his sphere of ministry. It would be like drawing a circle on a map or some type of boundary in which within it would be his sphere of influence, authority, or ministry. And he said that the Corinthians were in one of those spheres.