2 Corinthians 10:5

Imaginations. Gr. logismous, “reasonings,” “thoughts” (see Rom. 2:3, 15). Paul refers to human theories in contrast with revealed truth. There is nothing more self-deceptive than the speculative reasoning of conceited men who have boundless confidence in their own inherent wisdom and nothing but scorn for God and His Word. Paul proposes to assault the very citadels of evil.

Every high thing. That is, every defiant wall and tower. Paul here compares the proud speculations of men to forts atop high hills. Defiance of the God of heaven has ever been the mark of the forces of evil and rebellion (Isa. 14:13-15; Dan. 7:25; 8:11; 11:36; 2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 13:5-8). Individually, men set up their own particular stronghold from which to resist the power of God. The strongest fortress for evil is a way of life that, while professedly Christian, actually goes contrary to Christian principles.

The knowledge of God. That is, the knowledge that comes from God. The exaltation of human wisdom is in opposition to that superior, spiritual knowledge that God imparts (John 17:8; Acts 17:23; 1 Cor. 1:24; 2:10; Col. 1:9). The philosopher’s god is one created by his own thought processes. The Christian’s God is the God of divine revelation. The one is subjective, the other objective.

If accepted, the humbling truths of the gospel, such as the sinfulness of man and the atoning righteousness of Christ, cast down vain self-confidence, intellectual conceit, the pride of worldly wisdom, and all human pretensions.

Bringing into captivity. Or, “subjugating,” “bringing under control.”

Thought. Gr. noema, translated “minds” in 2 Cor. 3:14; 4:4; 11:3; Phil. 4:7, and “devices” in 2 Cor. 2:11. Paul may here refer to the fanciful theology of the “false apostles” (ch. 11:13) which originated in the mind of Satan.

Obedience of Christ. Without obedience born of love there can be no such thing as genuine Christian experience (see on Matt. 7:21-27). Christ has not left man in doubt as to the nature of true obedience (see John 14:15, 21, 23, 24; 15:10; 17:6, 17). All genuine Christians will gladly submit themselves to the loving authority of Christ. To bow to authority, especially that of Christ and His Word, is repugnant to proud hearts and minds. The principal reason why the gospel has not made more progress in the world and in the lives of men is unwillingness to make Christ fully Lord of the life and to accept the authority of the entire Word of God.