2 Corinthians 10:17–18

2 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 10

Paul’s Apostolic Authority. 2 Cor. 10, 1–18

PPaul appeals to the work actually done by him as apostle: V.17. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. V.18. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

In conclusion, Paul reminds the Corinthians of the prophetical saying: But he that boasts, in the Lord let him boast, Jer. 9, 24.

That is the general rule in the Church. There may be times and circumstances when glorying becomes a necessity, but it should never be done in such a way as unduly to put forward the boaster’s own person. All glory belongs to God alone and must be given to Him at all times.

For not he that commends himself is approved, but he whom the Lord commends. Any Christian that parades himself and his own attainments in the Church; any preacher that proclaims himself and not Jesus Christ the Lord, will find himself censured instead of praised. Only he that has received the testimony of the Lord as a faithful minister, as had Paul, chap. 3, 1–3, may feel that he had the proper credentials from the Lord.

"God lauds and praises only those that reject all praise given them, and direct it to God, that do not want people to see their works, but want nothing but that their Father in heaven be praised, whose name they love. For that reason God lauds and honors them in return” (Luther, 4, 510).