A person in the position of authority often has his or her authority questioned and/or tested. The Corinthian believers seemed to have done so to the apostle Paul, of all people!
Paul addressed this a couple of times and it can be seen here in 2 Corinthians 10. Verses 8, 12 and 18 are good examples of his defence regarding this matter.
His trump card is that the Lord had given him this authority and that for a very good purpose. Read what he wrote:
"For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for the building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed" ( 2 Corinthians 10:8 ESV). [emphasis mine]
It was for "building them up" and "not destroying them"!
A very special dispensation of grace from the Lord to Paul for their benefit.
So when they tried to push back at him and perhaps 'take control' and be the ones in the position of power, using comparison, they showed up that they had no understanding (see vs12).
Furthermore, Paul didn't take this up of his own accord. He had not commended himself and set out to be in that position for himself. No. He tells them,
"For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one who the Lord commends" (2 Corinthians 10:18 ESV).
I believe a brother or sister is often 'in training' long ever before they realize it. The Lord arranges and orchestrates all their life experiences, knowledge and wisdom; their sincerity and truth proven over the years of their lives to bring them into fulfilment of their purpose and life's work.
This is so plainly seen in Paul's life. If you read through the book of Acts and even his epistles, you'll see this played out.
When Paul wrote to Timothy, who was leading among the saints in the Ephesians' assembly, along similar lines, he told him a couple of things to be aware of. First, he told him not to let anyone look down on him because of his youth (see 1 Timothy 4:12). And in his second letter to Timothy he told him God had not given him
"a spirit of fear but of power and love and of self-control" (see 2 Timothy 1:7-9 ESV).
The KJV translates that as "of a sound mind" in stead of 'self-control'.
Together, these ideas give a collaborative picture. When our minds are sound we will have good self-control and discipline. This becomes and behooves a brother in the postion of authority. The power in this is from God Himself who led and guided a brother or sister throughout the years to reach and engage their purpose.
It seems to be important that not only the Lord endorses and commends a brother, but that the respected leaders of a sending church, also sanction the one(s) for a particular ministry.
Paul was given such blessing, along with Barnabas and later with Silas, by prayer for the Holy Spirit's guidance and the laying on of the elders' hands.
This initially happened in Jerusalem under the hands of Peter, James and John. (Incidently, they had been sanctioned by Jesus Christ while He was still walking this earth) [see Galatians 2:7-9; Acts 14:26 and 15:40]. They had been commended "by the elders and brothers to the grace of God."
So for the Corinthians to question Paul's authority, it was something else - a rather audacious questioning. As if snubbing their noses at him, saying,
"Who died and made you boss!?"
But Paul, ever gracious, gets through it with them and even commends them and shows his love and care, just like a loving father would. He could take the blows and carry on.
So the next time you feel your authority being questioned, stop and think it through. Be encouraged as Paul encouraged Timothy. We don't have to lord it over people but we can remember the Holy Spirit's power, love and self-control even when being bombarded by those under your care. This Holy Spirit is not one of fear. We can match audacious questioning with humble and audacious and gracious response. If God Himself has given you the authority and you have been commended by the elders, take hold and be bold in Christ and His mission with meekness.
~ ERC June 2026 ~
Based on 2 Corinthians 10:8, 12, and 18 ESV.
Sing, Authority, along with Elevation.
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