Verse 1
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As applied to doctrine, you can know that a teaching is true in the Word if it is supported in at least two places in the Bible.
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Don't be too quick to believe something that doesn't have Scriptural support in multiple passages in the Word.
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Verses 1-4
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The Corinthians began to doubt Paul's ministry because of the influence of false apostles among them. So they wanted Paul to prove that Christ was speaking in him—that he was truly sent from Christ as an apostle.
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Verses 2-3. So, to establish his teaching as true in coming to them a third time, Paul says he will be bold and harsh toward them, and show the power of Christ, unless they repent (verse 10).
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Verse 4. Jesus came as a humble Man, and He became a weak man for His crucifixion. But He rose again in power, and He has all power. Jesus is not a weak Man. Similarly, Paul is saying that though he was meek and gentle among them at the first, now he will show up with boldness and power (2 Corinthians 10:1).
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Upon a third correction to a person, be bolder. In dire situations, harsher rebuke is often needed.
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Be gentle when needed, but also be forceful when needed. Don't let people misconstrue gentleness as weakness.
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Verses 5-6
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As believers, we should always be examining our own lives to see if we are truly being obedient to Christ. Are we really acting like followers of Jesus?
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The Corinthians were examining Paul, but who were not examining themselves.
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Always examine and correct yourself first (Matthew 7:4-5).
Verses 7-10
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Verses 7-8. In Paul's warnings, he tells the Corinthians that his actions to show the power of Christ in his rebukes are not to defend himself, but to help the church by making their actions honorable.
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Even in talking about himself in Chapter 12, to show his true apostleship, his purpose was not to defend himself, but to show a truth that would correct and edify the church (2 Corinthians 12:19). He never did anything that would work against the truth (verse 8).
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Do not take any action for your own advantage, self-promotion, or self-defense. Do everything to help others.
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Verse 9. Even if he was thought of by some, for a time, as a weak man (1 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 10:10, 11:21), or if he experienced the weakness of suffering (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), Paul could be glad, since he knew that his actions would help the Corinthians to be strong in the faith. He wanted the Corinthians to be complete in their faith—lacking nothing in their growth (James 1:4).
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If you know that your actions will ultimately help others and please God, don't worry about how people will perceive you or how hard it might be for you. Just do your part to obey and do what is right with a clear conscience.
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Verse 10. And if he had to, he would use his authority to be sharp with them, in order to help them be complete—edified to the point of completion.
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Understand that sharp rebuke is important, when used correctly, for edifying believers and showing the power of Christ (verses 2-4). Be bold when you must.
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Verses 11-13
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Work toward your own growth and unity with other believers, and be at peace with believers wherever possible.
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For how you treat others will determine how God will be to you. If you walk in peace and love with others, you will experience more love and peace from God.
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Verse 12. Greet fellow believers thoughtfully and intentionally. Show that you care even in how you say hello and goodbye.
Verse 14
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Paul speaks to the roles of each member of the Godhead in this verse.
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Grace in spite of our sins comes through Jesus Christ, since He died for our sins.
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Love comes from the Father. To us He is a loving Father (2 Corinthians 6:18).
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And communication with God comes through the Holy Spirit.
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Since we have the Spirit, who speaks to us, we can hear and speak with God (John 14:26, 16:13).
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Seek to understand and hear the Spirit better if you want to grow in true relationship with God. True relationship comes through the Spirit.
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