2 Corinthians 10:4

Weapons of our warfare. See on Eph. 6:10-20; cf. 1 Tim. 1:18; 2 Tim. 2:3-5; 4:7. The weapons of the world are wealth, talent, learning, prestige, rank, influence, reason, perversion of truth, force, and human schemes. Paul’s foes at Corinth were fighting him with these weapons (see on 2 Cor. 3:1). But Paul refused to fight in this armor or with these weapons, for the principles of heaven do not permit the use of such methods (cf. John 18:36). If the saving of souls and the extension of Christ’s kingdom were dependent upon human talent, intellect, and power, Christianity would be a purely human religion. But spiritual qualities can never be imposed upon men from without.

Mighty through God. The weapons of the Christian are forged in the arsenal of heaven, and are made available to him through the ministry of angels (2 Cor. 1:12; Eph. 6:10-20; cf. DA 827). These weapons include truth as set forth in the Word of God (Heb. 4:12), and the imparted power of Christ and the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:4). God calls men to this conflict, equips them for battle, and assures them of victory. He supplies man with all the power (2 Cor. 2:14).

Pulling down of. Or, “demolition of.” No fortress of human devising can withstand the weapons of heaven.

Strong holds. Or, “castles,” “fortresses.” Paul represents the kingdom of Satan as being defended by numerous fortifications. It is the work of the Christian and the church to lay siege to the foe, destroy his defenses, and drive him out into the open. Paul doubtless thinks of the inner citadels of men’s hearts, the evil fortifications of their minds, the entrenched habits of sin and self. The battle is one of truth against error, the knowledge of God against ignorance and superstition, true worship against all forms of idolatry, liberty in Christ against the bondage of sin, holiness against wickedness, righteousness against unrighteousness, Christ’s control against that of Satan.

The figurative language of vs. 4, 5 may have been suggested to Paul’s mind by pirates that infested the seacoast in the vicinity of Tarsus before they were driven from the seas by Roman galleys a generation before his birth. These marauders of the sea sallied forth from many hidden coves on the coast, raided ships trading at nearby ports, and then retired with their booty. Finally the Roman general Pompey led a campaign against them, reduced more than 100 of their “strong holds” to ruins, and captured more than 10,000 prisoners.