The Christian's attitude is under attack in verses 1-6. Paul is firm but in an attitude of love (verse 1). The whole tone and style of this epistle changes at this point. So marked is the change that some have been led to say that this part of the epistle is all together a separate letter. When he declares," I Paul myself," he makes his individuality prominent and emphatic. He now sets about the task at hand, that of defending himself against those who are questioning his authority. He seeks to assume the attitude of Christ, who is one of meekness and gentleness. How important it is that when we face a similar task, that our attitude be patterned after our blessed Lord. The charge that he was bold while writing but lowly when face to face, or in other words a coward, is now brought out into the open. How often as God's servants must we face similar charges, which are groundless, and yet severely attack our character? Paul sought to persuade them; but if he failed, then he would have to resort to that power which God had given him (verse 2). Some are so quick to let you know who they are and how much power and authority they have. This attitude is wrong, and it is sad when it is found among leaders in God's work. Paul exhorts them that it would be unnecessary for him to use the full power of his office, for those who are unjustly accusing Paul are going to feel the weight of his office. There were those who felt Paul was acting under control of his corrupt nature and was being governed by his selfish feelings and relied upon himself rather than God. Our walk is in the flesh, but our warfare is not carried on after the flesh (verse 3). As men we walk in the flesh and are subject to all the weakness of the flesh. However, we need not be controlled by this sphere. Our attitude in this warfare is spiritual rather than fleshly, which is, of course, carnal. As we face this warfare, we are not limited to using fleshly weapons but can depend upon the arsenal of heaven. Our weapons are supernatural (verse 4). This verse amplifies the truth set forth at the end of verse 3, "the flesh" and shows that he is not warring with human weapons or relying upon human resources. Paul is not fighting a spiritual warfare with carnal means. His source is mighty through God, and for this reason victory is assured. For this reason Paul is able through God to "demolish fortresses." If God ever places you before a seemingly impossible job, remember if your weapons are spiritual rather than carnal, then victory is yours. To rely upon the message of God and its power will result in the casting down of proud imaginations (verse 5). The first part of this verse sets forth the attitude of those who were seeking to discredit Paul before the Corinthian Church. Paul then draws our attention to his purposes, that of bringing into captivity every thought to a place of submissiveness unto Christ. The real key to this whole issue is that Paul sought to do all this not in relying on himself but rather relying upon God whose messenger he was. The key to a successful ministry in whatever God commits unto you will be this type of an attitude that Paul exhibits here. Paul would do what he had said he would, for he had the ability and determination (verse 6). For those who thought he was soft, Paul says he was ready to punish every disobedience. He was no coward, and those who thought he was would soon see that it was love that had restrained him up to this point. That these people were in the church is clear. This will give you, as the servants of God, some of your severest tests. Paul indicates he would not resort to this severity until all others means had failed. In doing this, it would be obvious to all what choice had been made by the individuals to submitting to God or persisting in disobedience.

The servant's authority is under attack in verses 7-11. The authority that Paul claimed was that of Christ (verse 7). It would seem that some looked with contempt upon the outward physical appearance of the Apostle Paul. To these people who placed much importance upon the physical appearance, the weakness of Paul's appearance brought disapproval. Paul then addresses directly those who were opposing him. He first points out the confidence that some had that they belong to Christ. It is this group or class of people that he wants to think over what he has to say. If you think you are in Christ, so am I equally entitled to the same position in Christ. They had no advantage which did not equally belong to him. Paul's authority and power came for the purpose of building up the faith of the saints. Throughout the word of God, the emphasis is upon building up concerning the faith. God did not give Paul the position or authority he now had for demolishing the saints. Be careful how you tear down! Paul would not be put to shame or embarrassed for laying out the truth in this manner. In fact, he could have said more and still not exceeded the truth. They claimed he could write better than face them (verse 9,10). Verse nine carries the thought that Paul had no intention of scaring them with letters. Their charge against Paul was two fold. First, his letters are weighty and powerful. Second, his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. How would you react to such charges as this? Paul carefully and kindly lets them know that when he comes, that they will find that his letters and actions are the same (verse 11). They will learn that his are not idle threats, and he intends to back up what he has written.

The servant's action is also under attack in verses 12-18. His action did not depend upon self reliance (verse 12). Paul was not even going to get into the contest of who has the most authority. This work of the flesh, self exaltation, is to be avoided by every servant of God. Those who take part in such practices are classed as unwise. They are given indication that they are without understanding and behave unwisely. Such behavior patterns seen in the life of the individual usually mean trouble is ahead. God's servants, even under attack, will not go beyond proper limits. God has committed a ministry and set the limits of each of His servants, and Paul in no way sought to go beyond those bounds. The thought here of a measuring line thus of limits is expressed here. To go beyond the line or break the limit is serious (Ex: Moses). In effect Paul now declares that the authority that God had committed to Paul included those Corinthians who were out of line. God's servants under attack will not back down from proper limits but will timely hold that which is right (verse 14, 15). Paul proceeds to set before them the clear truth; he was being used by God to set before them the gospel. They had received the good news of the gospel through the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Thus, he has a legitimate reason for the position he would assume if they questioned his authority. Again, he emphasizes the fact that he is not over stepping his authority or assuming a position over anyone else's labors. Paul's real hope was that they would continue to grow, and as a result his sphere of work would be enlarged by them. In the face of trouble never lose sight of the overall plan of God's program for you (verse 16). Paul's commission went beyond Corinth, for God had appointed him to preach in lands beyond. God had called Paul to preach in places where the gospel had not as yet been heard. Thus, he looked forward to building new works, not building on foundations other men had laid. So, in view of the overall program of God for Paul, Corinth was a part, and to his enemies he points this out. Regardless of what was said in Corinth about Paul by his enemies, it would not alter the overall program that God had for him. True services are commended by the Lord (verse 17, 18). Instead of these people attacking Paul and patting themselves on the back, they should have been concerned only with approval of God. Their desire should be the glory of the Lord. Praising oneself and commending oneself never brings the approval of God. It is the Lord who accredits and commends the true and faithful servant for his service. The only worthwhile worth of anything is the commendation of God who alone gives out the eternal rewards.