"Every Thought Captive" A New Episode of the Blessed Hope Podcast (2 Corinthians 10:1-18)

Episode Synopsis:

Paul is in Macedonia preparing to head south to Corinth. So far, he has written to the Corinthians about his office and authority and he has encouraged them to wrap up their efforts to collect an offering to be sent to the struggling church in Jerusalem. The Corinthians have been a difficult bunch for Paul, but when he wraps up the letter we know as in 2 Corinthians in chapter 9 he is both joyful and confident that the Corinthians understand his office and role in the apostolic churches.

But then Paul gets news which can only be described as infuriating. A number of men–apparently Jews claiming to have the blessing of the Jerusalem church, yet who use Greek rhetorical gimmicks, and who brag about visions, revelations, and who claim to have performed miracles–have infiltrated the Corinthian church in his absence. Paul is understandably upset and the apostolic gloves come off. He describes these men as false teachers and apostles who preach a different gospel, a different Jesus, and a different Holy Spirit than he has taught the Corinthians. He even identifies them as agents of Satan. How can the Corinthians be so foolish and gullible? We can only imagine Paul’s frustration with these people. R. C. Sproul’s words come to mind here–”what is wrong with you people?!”

So before Paul returns to Corinth, he adds chapters 10-13 to what he thought was his completed letter. He will send Titus and the others south, while he wraps up his remaining business in Macedonia. Unlike the specious charges raised against him by the false teachers and gospel peddlers, Paul will demonstrate that he is every bit as tough in person as he is in his letters–a charge which has been leveled against him by the false apostles. He will challenge these agents of Satan and their false gospel by reminding them that divine warfare is conducted in the power of the Holy Spirit (not grounded in the flesh as these men were doing) and that Paul’s gospel can destroy all lofty opinions and take every thought captive to the knowledge and Lordship of Christ.

Show Notes:

Anyone familiar with Southern California knows about “Santa Ana” winds. When we get a “Santa Ana” (off-shore winds from the desert), humidity drops to beef-jerky levels, temperatures rise into the 90s (even in January), and all kinds of dirt and dust is found in the air. Not good weather for recording. I was pretty miserable recording this episode—coughing, clearing my throat, and nose-blowing. My voice stayed strong, even though I spent more time editing out gross sounds than usual.

The good thing about Santa Ana winds is that small planes and helicopters stay away. So there’s that.

Recommended Links:

Charles Spurgeon on 2 Corinthians 10:5

Scott Clark on 2 Corinthians 10:5

Series Bibliography:

Frank Thielman, Paul, The Apostle of Grace. This is an outstanding biography of Paul. Expensive but well worth it. Reviewers claim it replaces Bruce’s volume, but they really are two different books. I would own both!

F. F. Bruce, Paul: The Apostle of the Heart Set Free. A bit dated but still remains a useful biographical study of Paul’s life and times

Douglas J. Moo, A Theology of Paul and His Letters (2021). A helpful big picture survey of Paul’s theology and epistles

Guy P. Waters, The Life and Theology of Paul (DVD series). A great introduction. There is also a print edition

Commentaries:

Mark Seifrid, The Second Letter to the Corinthians. This would be my first choice for an in-depth commentary

Colin Kruse, 2 Corinthians (Tyndale). This is the best choice for most readers

Paul Barnett, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. This one is also very good

Riddleblog Resources: Pauline Studies and Resources

Music:

(Shutterstock): Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op 92m, second movement, Allegretto (A minor)