Scripture Daily

Context No. 4223 of 4322 · 2 Corinthians

Context · Reflection

2 Corinthians 10:7-11: in context

7Do you look at things only as they appear in front of your face? If anyone trusts in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again with himself, that even as he is Christ’s, so we also are Christ’s. 8For even if I boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for casting you down, I will not be ashamed, 9that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters. 10For, “His letters”, they say, “are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised.” 11Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present.

Paul is under attack from critics who belittle him, saying his letters are weighty but his presence is weak. In responding, he says something revealing about the authority God had given him: it was given for building you up, and not for tearing you down. Even when he must be firm, Paul understands that the purpose of his God-given authority is constructive, to build up the people of God, not to demolish or crush them.

What stands out is this understanding of authority's purpose. Paul had real authority as an apostle, and he was willing to use it. But he refused to use it to terrify, dominate, or tear down; its aim was always to build up. Authority, rightly held, is for the good and growth of those under it, not for the aggrandizement of the one who holds it.

The purpose of authority is to build up, not to tear down; to serve the growth and good of others, not to dominate or diminish them. Paul, even in conflict, kept this aim before him. Whatever authority we are given, as a parent, leader, teacher, or elder, is a trust to be used for building others up, never for crushing them.

When I hold authority over others, as a parent, leader, or teacher, do I use it as Paul understood his, for building others up rather than tearing them down, for their growth and good rather than to dominate or diminish them?

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