Some false apostles infiltrated the churches in Corinth in Paul's absence and raised questions on his apostleship. They put him down, saying that he was timid when face-to-face but bold when away; his letters were weighty and forceful but unimpressive in person and his speech contemptible. How did Paul defend his apostleship?

Paul didn't respond impulsively but appealed to them with the humility and gentleness of Christ. Then Paul clarified that in serving the gospel ministry, he didn't use worldly weapons such as eloquent speech or human ingenuity or personal charisma. Instead, he depended on divine power, the Holy Spirit and the word of God, to take every idea and thought captive and make them obedient to Christ. Gospel work involves a battle for the mind. What are our weapons to call people to obedience that comes from faith?

Paul used his apostolic authority only to build up God's people not to tear them down. He never boasted beyond proper limits. His hope was to strengthen the believers' faith in Corinth so that he could preach the gospel beyond Corinth, for his desire was to please God and seek the Lord's commendation.


Application: Lord, help me use grace and apostleship to preach the gospel and call people to the obedience that comes from faith, depending on divine power.
One Word: Divine power to demolish strongholds