2 Corinthians 10

Paul’s tone shifts as he begins his defense against critics who say he is “humble” in presence but “bold” in letters. He insists that his weapons are not worldly but have “divine power to destroy strongholds,” taking “every thought captive to obey Christ.” He answers those who commend themselves by comparing themselves with one another, insisting he will boast only “within the limits” of the ministry God assigned him and only “in the Lord,” for “it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”