Q1. Siege Warfare

[Pastor Ralph]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

[hanks]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive?

Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

I think Paul means that the gospel message penetrates any man-made walls. This is done when believers armed with wisdom, courage, dedication, and faith enters Satan’s strongholds and demolishes this opposition. Satan knows that his time is coming to an end, and so he uses every available weapon to resist defeat. In his arsenal he has the weapons of deceit, lies, intimidation, compulsion, and force. But nothing on earth can stop the march of the gospel, for “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom 8:37). So, we not only triumph over these demonic forces but at the same time we bring glory to God. But, as we all know, all of this is not through our own strength, but only through Him who loved us. Only the power of Christ can bring sweetness out of bitterness, strength out of weakness, triumph out of tragedy, and blessing out of heartbreak.

[IvoryEagle]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? BECAUSE THE ATTACK ON THE CHURCH IS REAL YET NOT BY NORMAL PHYSICAL TACTICS; IT IS SPIRITUAL AND SATANIC WEAPONS.

Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

YOU GOT IT. SATAN, AGAIN. HE IS GOING DOWN!

[charisbarak]

Because we are all in a battle for our minds & hearts.

He speaks of the spiritual battle--that strongholds held by Satan need to be pulled down, obedience needed & discipline to ensure the protection of the church.

[Ramon]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

Answer:

1.Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive?

----Paul Liken it to the city wall,for the people are so familiar with it,how to build it,and what is its function.,That in order to capture the people behind it,you must first overran and destroy the first line of defense..the city wall.

2.Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

---Apostle Paul's emphasis is about "Spiritual Warfare"..and that the stronghold is in our Minds,all the arguments start in our thoughts,and this is what the devil would like to attack...telling us How unworthy we are,that our obedience to Christ is not enough,..The devil wants us to focus on what we can do,to maintain our salvation..he]wants us to focus on ourselves....and return to Law mentality...AND THIS IS THE THOUGHT THAT APOSTLE PAUL TELLS US TO CAST,AND TAKE EVERY EVIL THOUGHT CAPTIVE...TELLING THEM THAT YOU ARE SAVE BY GRACE..THAT IT IS NOT UP TO US TO MAINTAIN OUR SALVATION,THAT OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT DEPENDENT ON OUR THOUGHTS,ACTIONS,OBEDIENCE OR THE LACK OF OBEDIENCE BUT IS DEPENDENT ON WHAT JESUS HAS DONE ON THE CROSS..TO JESUS OBEDIENCE TO THE CROSS(Romans 5:19-....so also through the OBEDIENCE OF ONE MAN,MANY WILL BE MADE RIGHTEOUS.)

[Lion of Grace]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

Paul is talking of dealing with his opponents in a spiritual way. He wanted to wage a battle for the people's minds. Some people were living by the standards of the world and he wanted their minds to be taken captive to demolish their strongholds. If the strongholds/walls come down, then faith could enter in and human reasoning would be defeated.

Human reasoning can not be trusted. There are all kinds of philosophies and world views out there or self gratifying ways to handle issues that are promoted, and they all need to be measured up to the truth of the word. These false teachings/leadings are from Satan. He doesn't want people to know the truth or to live the truth and he deceives many.

[JanMary]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive?

Paul was describing the spiritual bondage in which his opponents were caught. In order for them to be set free, spiritual warfare must be engaged in order to "reduce" the wall around their minds. Our spiritual weapons are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, and make a way for the Gospel to penetrate the satanic defense, in order that the captives be set free to be who God intended them to be when they were created.

Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

Paul is talking about a spiritual stronghold which cannot be torn down by human weapons or by reasoning and human power.

[anne1151]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? God led His people in the old testament, laying siege, tearing down walls, destroying the enemy; Paul is reminding them that God is in control in the present time also. God will deal with the dissenters.

Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom? It must be a spiritual stronghold, for satan uses leaders as well as lay people to try to destroy Gods churchs here on earth. Paul, (with Gods direction) is trying to prevent that from happening in Corinth.

[Raph]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive?

Paul likens his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive because they are engulfed with an evil stronghold and there is a need to turn down the walls of that stroghold in order to set free the people who are trapped in that evil stronghold.By destroying the forces of Satan, the church will be free and will florish.

Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan's kingdom?

Paul is not talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic but there is a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan's kingdom?

[haar]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

Paul knew that the devil was responsible for causing the confusion in Corinth, and this is a spiritual warfare.

He would therefore use the divine power of our Lord Jesus to demolish every devilish stronghold and take every spiritual agent captive by using prayers as the spiritual weapon.

[tammie7]

Paul, in his seizing is talking about spiritual fight, and his army will be the world of

God. He also talking about coming against the fortress and destroying its defense

and taking back is citzens.

Paul is taking about strongholds.

[ross_laoshi]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

We use spiritual weapons to bring down the strongholds of the Devil. The Devil uses proud arguments to deceive and control people and hold them captive. We use God's mighty weapons to destroy these strongholds, and to bring the people in to obedience to Christ.

[Delivered]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive?

Paul understood all too well that the battle going on is a spiritual battle. a battle against demonic forces and schemes which are out to prevent people from coming to a genuine knowledge of God, and it must be taken captive, but not with the old nature of the flesh, we must rely on the war equipment God provides, truth, righteousness, the Good News, trust, salvation, the Spirit and the Word of God, these have power for taking its citizens captive.

I am reminded of David’s declaration to Goliath at 1Sa 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan's kingdom?

Yes, there is a battle going on in the Universe today, and its power is derived from Satan's demonic kingdom - we need more Paul's today!

It is sad for me to say, "Why do I not see more of God's spiritual weapons being boldly used - today"? There is a war going on in the world, and I see the enemy taking a stronghold, we must be like Paul, and fight the fight, we must PURPOSE in our hearts to put on God's spiritual weapons and stand strong in the boldness of our faith, in obedience to God, taking every thought captive, even that of the most antagonistic and worldly, and make it obey the Messiah, forcing even anti-God ideas to "work for good" Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIS PURPOSE.

[Jen]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

Paul recognized the battle, the stakes, and the enemy and his nature.

The battle was spiritual and prayer and logic were used here. The strongholds are spiritual and the battle is spiritual. It is not fought in the flesh but on our knees.

God Bless!

Jen

Romans 15:13

[Old Jerry]

I think that Paul likens his dealings with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive because first of all they will understand this analogy. But I also think that is to warn them that he is not going to stand idle by while others destroys their spiritual freedom.

Paul is talking about a victory by use of incisive logic because there is a spiritual stronghold here, which is derived by the power from Satan’s kingdom.

[bruceerobert]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Satan is a clever spirit and always looking for ways to separate us from God. The fight we are facing is not of this world, but of the spirit and God is the only one who can help us conquer satan.

Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

Paul is definitely talking about the victory of God's people when we 100% placed complete trust and faith in God to help us.

[Ashech]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive?

The way he likened might be the same as the conquest of the city of Jericho.

Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

He is talking about a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom.

[clabudak]

Because there is a spiritual stronghold here, Paul likens his opponents in Corinth with real war that takes opponents as captive. Paul knows he is talking about spiritual warfare that is just as real as a real physical war. His opponent is Satan's kingdom and his weapons of warfare are spiritual.

[Commissioned]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

Paul is using fugurative speech here, he is talking about spiritual strongholds the can only be overcomed by spiritual force.

[wifee]

1a)Paul opponents were bringing human sinful agenda from satan’s kingdom,by opposing spiritual stronghold, he sought to break this down with divine spiritual power,like real war,dismantling city walls/ obstacles,&takining prisoners, freeing Corinthians captive from false leaders.

B)No, seeking to oppose s stronghold based on satan’s powers,with God’s ways of humility, sincerity, integrity

[Craig]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?    

 

Paul is engaged in spiritual warfare and he is going to be persistent and methodical in overcoming his opponents much like in taking a city by siege.  He is going to be relentless in defeating the enemies of Jesus Christ in Corinth and lead its citizens to Jesus.      

 

Paul wrote to the Ephesians:  "For we not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."  Eph. 6:12 (NLT)

 

The battle in Corinth is spiritual based and must be fought through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit.  Worldly logic doesn't understand or comprehend the spiritual let alone be effective against spiritual forces.  What is of the spirit is of the spirit and what is of the world is of the world.

 

[royk]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan's kingdom?
 

Clearly this is a warning to me as I would hope and pray for the opening of addictive hearts to Jesus Christ. Many such people "hate" or don't  believe in God because of a parent or "elder" person who greatly disappointing them or even physically hurt them, yet who was going to church at that time.

 

The power of distant prayer may not be what God wants. He wants an investment in ministry to develop relationships of trust. He wants brotherhood to provide this trust, so that these spiritual strongholds will be broken into and then broken down. Satan has no power when we are in full truth and communication with our loving God. That is where we start to be used to bear fruit as Jesus says in John 15.

 

Declaring the power of God to give victory is part of it, but as Paul led with "By the meekness[361] and gentleness[362] of Christ, I appeal to you ..." so must we be gentle warriors of love and understanding, and empathy.

 

We can not deny the presence of the enemy spiritually in these people. Nor can we claim any victory on our own. This "false power" is the ego, it is even directed by the evil one, to assure no victory. We must remain in Christ and be humble, and let Him speak through us.

[WinstonY]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

 

There is quite a big change of tone here in chapter ten. From speaking of the collection which seems to be very close to his heart and giving thanks [Thanks be to God for his indescrible gift(9.15)] Paul jumps to speaking of warfare and sieges. Although there seems no doubt that Paul, himself, wrote both sections he does seem to be interrupted and the interruption seems more that a break for lunch or some much needed sleep. There seems to have been some new information come to his attention which causes the change in tone. Whether it came while he was writing the letter and Paul himself rearraged the letter or the letter was sent and Paul sent a second letter to follow and the letters became entangled in the centuries that followed. Who can tell?

Regardless, Paul as he begins chapter ten, is in a fighting mode. And as he often does.[Ephesians 6.14-17] Paul uses the imagery of war. One image Paul uses in this spiritual warfare is that of tearing down a stronghold,[a fortress or castle]. Paul realizes that he is fighting spiritual warfare and he holds that the positions taken by his opponents are defended with words, thoughts that are filled with pompousness. As well these 'opponents' belittle about his poor statureand phyusique and imply that he is not a good speaker and will tell the Corinthians fac e to face the things he puts in the letters. Paul is terribly hurt and resorts to rhetoric. He writes “I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.” (10:1-2) Paul is telling everyone when he soon returns to Corinth he will attack and defend himself capably against all comers. He will speak boldly withy confidence and daring. Though they imagine that he is soft-spoken and not trained in rhetoric, Paul warns that when he comes he will do whatever it takes and use all his apostolic authority to set things in order and protect the church.(notes) Paul uses the vocabulary of armed conflict as he does in Ephesians The weapons he will use are not human,] says Paul, but spiritual weapons endued with divine power.

 

The strongholds that will fall here, however, are not physical, but logical and spiritual. The Arguments ofnPaul's opponents have their plausible reasons why they are right but these arguments will not stand the light of day when he arrives. Pretension describes the proud arrogance of Paul's opponents. These pretenders have exaltedthemselves and their teachings, but they will not last long.The siege will end with the rebellion being destroyed and Paul and is rhetoric and logic will win the day and the strongholds of satan will fall

[lighthouse2014]

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom?

Paul in dealing with his opponents in Corinth who are questing his authority as an apostle and teaching the truth, intends to show the Corinthians that these are false teachers. These impostors are leading them astray and away from the true gospel Paul had taught them.

Paul is talking about a victory in Corinth because he intends to use incisive logic, using the truth he taught as he had received it from the Lord. It appears someone or persons have come in teaching false beliefs, denying Paul's authority and causing the Corinthians to follow old customs and ways. No doubt Satan has moved in to try to get the Corinthians to pervert the word they were taught originally.      

[Krissi]

There's nothing wrong with preparing logically to battle an enemy or support a fellow-believer(s), whether that enemy is within oneself or someone(s) else. Paul spent the first part of the Corinthian letter rationally laying out arguments and in the second part, he warned them of the consequences of not heeding his words.

In this second part, Paul stretched the argument larger. He wasn't talking about intra-church squabbles and evil rumor mongering, but of the forces that prompted such behavior, Satanic forces. Yes, they can superficially correct many of the excesses and meannesses in the church, but to get at the root cause, they have to tackle Satan. This is spiritual warfare.

Tacking Satan isn't a matter of logic but of prayer and decrees and wearing the "armor of God." Paul knows how to do this and is warning the Corinthian church that he WILL tackle Satan when he arrives again. He will pull down Satan's strongholds in the power of Jesus and speak articulately and boldly by the Spirit's power. As an apostle, he has been given power by God to accomplish his role or task. This, he threatens, HE WILL DO.