What did Paul mean in 2 Corinthians 10:12 about those who commend themselves?
Paul meant that those who commend themselves and measure themselves only by themselves are not acting with true understanding. They were fault-finding with Paul to elevate their own position, but in their lack of knowledge they did not know what they were doing. Paul stood as the apostle of the Gentiles.
Les explains that in 2 Corinthians 10:12 Paul refuses to compare himself with those who commend themselves, measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves among themselves, saying they are not one in the text as read. Les paraphrases Paul's point: people were coming into the congregation finding fault with Paul and trying to elevate their own position, but in their lack of knowledge they did not know what they were doing. Les connects this to Galatians 2, where Paul calls the twelve in Jerusalem men who seemed to be pillars, and says these critics no longer had the power and clout they thought they had; it was slipping away without their realization. Paul asserts, "I am the apostle of the Gentiles." Earlier, Les notes Paul's letters could not be faulted and were Holy Spirit inspired, though he often used a secretary.
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
More Questions
Why does Les connect 2 Corinthians 10:12 with Paul's mention of the twelve in Galatians 2?
When Paul in Galatians 2 refers to the twelve in Jerusalem as men who seemed to be pillars, that is the same point 2 Corinthians 10:12 is making about men who measure and compare themselves among themselves.