2 Corinthians 10:7

KJV

¶ Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he [is] Christ's, even so [are] we Christ's.

KJV (with Strong's)

Do ye look on {G991} things after {G2596} the outward appearance {G4383}? If any man {G1536} trust {G3982} to himself {G1438} that he is {G1511} Christ's {G5547}, let him {G3049} of {G575} himself {G1438} think {G3049} this {G5124} again {G3825}, that {G3754}, as {G2531} he {G846} is Christ's {G5547}, even {G2532} so {G3779} are we {G2249} Christ's {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are looking at the surface of things. If anyone is convinced that he belongs to the Messiah, he should remind himself that we belong to the Messiah as much as he does.

Berean Standard Bible

You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does.

American Standard Version

Ye look at the things that are before your face. If any man trusteth in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ’s, so also are we.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 10:7, the Apostle Paul issues a direct challenge to the Corinthian believers, compelling them to re-evaluate their superficial judgments of spiritual authority and genuine belonging to Christ. He confronts their tendency to assess individuals based on external appearances, asserting that if anyone claims to be "Christ's" based on such outward displays, they must humbly recognize that Paul and his co-workers share the exact same, authentic spiritual identity and possession in Christ, thereby leveling the playing field and redirecting focus from human boasting to divine ownership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal shift in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, initiating a robust and deeply personal defense of his apostolic ministry, particularly against a faction of opponents in Corinth. Chapters 1-9 primarily deal with themes of reconciliation, suffering, and generous giving. However, in chapter 10, Paul adopts a more confrontational tone, addressing criticisms leveled against his perceived weakness in physical presence and speaking ability (cf. [2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Critics") and [2 Corinthians 11:6](/2_corinthians/11-6 "2 Corinthians 11:6 - Paul's Eloquence")). Verse 7 directly challenges the Corinthians' flawed method of evaluation, setting the stage for Paul's assertion that his weapons are "not carnal, but mighty through God" ([2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Spiritual Warfare")). It serves as a rhetorical hinge, demanding that the Corinthians apply the same standard of belonging to Christ to Paul as they do to themselves or their preferred leaders, thus undermining the basis of their opposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a complex and often turbulent community, situated in a major Roman port city known for its diverse population, philosophical schools, and moral laxity. The church itself was plagued by divisions, pride, and a tendency to admire worldly wisdom and eloquent rhetoric (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:10-17](/1_corinthians/1-10-17 "1 Corinthians 1:10-17 - Divisions in the Church")). Paul's opponents, often referred to as "super-apostles" in later chapters ([2 Corinthians 11:5](/2_corinthians/11-5 "2 Corinthians 11:5 - Super-Apostles")), likely boasted of impressive oratorical skills, charismatic presence, or perhaps even Jewish credentials, contrasting these with Paul's humble demeanor, lack of "polished" speech, and refusal to accept financial support. The Corinthians, accustomed to valuing external displays of power and influence, were susceptible to these superficial judgments, failing to discern true spiritual authority rooted in Christ and demonstrated through suffering and service.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Challenging Superficial Judgment**, directly questioning the Corinthian believers' tendency to evaluate spiritual matters based on outward, visible traits rather than spiritual substance, echoing Jesus' admonition to [judge with righteous judgment](/john/7-24 "John 7:24 - Judge Righteously"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Authentic Belonging to Christ**, emphasizing that true identification with Christ is not a matter of human boasting or external display, but a fundamental spiritual reality shared by all genuine believers. Thirdly, Paul's emphatic declaration, "as he [is] Christ's, even so [are] we Christ's," establishes the **Equality in Christ** among all believers, irrespective of human distinctions or perceived status, a foundational truth for Christian unity and identity often articulated by Paul (e.g., [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ")). Finally, the verse sets the stage for Paul to assert his legitimate, God-given **Spiritual Authority vs. Carnal Boasting**, demonstrating that his ministry operates by divine principles, not by the fleshly tactics of his opponents.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **appearance (Greek, _prósōpon'_):** G4383. This word literally means "face" or "countenance," but in this context, it extends to mean "outward appearance," "aspect," or "surface." It highlights the superficiality of the Corinthians' judgments, indicating they were looking only at what was immediately visible or presented, rather than the true character or spiritual reality of Paul and his ministry. It implies a shallow, external assessment.
* **trust (Greek, _peíthō'_):** G3982. This verb means "to convince," "to persuade," or, in its reflexive or passive sense as used here, "to assent," "to rely," or "to have confidence." When applied to "trust to himself," it signifies a self-assurance or self-reliance that is misplaced, a confidence derived from one's own perceived status or attributes rather than from God or a genuine spiritual reality. It points to a dangerous form of spiritual pride.
* **think (Greek, _logízomai'_):** G3049. This verb means "to take an inventory," "to estimate," "to calculate," "to reckon," or "to consider." Paul uses it to command a re-evaluation, urging those who boast in themselves to "reckon this again." It implies a careful, deliberate reconsideration of their assumptions and judgments, moving from a superficial assessment to a more accurate, spiritually informed conclusion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Do ye look on things after the outward appearance?"**: This is a direct, rhetorical question designed to expose and challenge the Corinthians' flawed methodology of judgment. Paul implies that they are indeed judging superficially, based on external factors like eloquence, charisma, or physical presence, rather than discerning spiritual truth and authenticity. This question immediately puts the onus on the Corinthians to examine their own biases.
* **"If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's,"**: Here, Paul addresses a specific group or individual within the Corinthian church—likely those who opposed him or were influenced by his adversaries—who possessed a self-assured confidence in their own spiritual standing or identity as belonging to Christ. This "trusting to himself" suggests a reliance on human merit, outward display, or a perceived spiritual superiority, rather than humble dependence on God's grace. It hints at a form of spiritual pride or elitism.
* **"let him of himself think this again, that, as he [is] Christ's, even so [are] we Christ's."**: This is Paul's powerful counter-assertion and command for self-correction. The phrase "let him of himself think this again" (literally, "let him reckon this again concerning himself") demands a profound re-evaluation of their self-perception and their judgment of Paul. The core of the re-evaluation is the emphatic declaration of shared identity: "as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's." Paul asserts that his belonging to Christ is just as legitimate, complete, and authentic as anyone else's, including those who boast against him. This levels the playing field, stripping away any basis for judging based on human distinctions and forcing them to acknowledge a common, divine ownership.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in 2 Corinthians 10:7 to achieve his persuasive aims. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question** ("Do ye look on things after the outward appearance?"), which is not meant to be answered but to provoke self-reflection and expose the Corinthians' faulty discernment. This direct address immediately engages the audience and challenges their prevailing attitudes. The **Repetition** of the phrase "Christ's" (Χριστοῦ - _Christou_) three times within the latter part of the verse serves as a powerful emphasis. This repetition underscores the central theological point: true identity and belonging are solely rooted in Christ, not in human attributes or accomplishments. It also creates a strong sense of shared possession, highlighting the **Equality** between Paul and his opponents in their fundamental relationship with Christ. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between "outward appearance" and the spiritual reality of being "Christ's," forcing the reader to consider the superficial versus the substantive. The verse also exhibits a form of **Apostolic Authority** conveyed through a direct command ("let him of himself think this again"), demonstrating Paul's right to instruct and correct the believers, even as he defends his own standing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 10:7 serves as a crucial theological anchor, redirecting the church's focus from human-centric evaluation to Christ-centered reality. It underscores the profound truth that genuine spiritual authority and belonging are not predicated on charismatic displays, eloquent speech, or impressive worldly credentials, but solely on one's authentic relationship with Christ. This challenges the pervasive human tendency to judge by superficial metrics, reminding believers that God's ways of discerning character and ministry differ radically from human standards. Paul's assertion of shared identity in Christ dismantles any basis for spiritual elitism or division, emphasizing that all true believers are equally "Christ's," united by divine ownership rather than human distinctions. This truth calls for humility in self-assessment and charity in judging others, fostering a community where Christ's ownership, not human pride, is the ultimate measure of worth and authenticity.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"): "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
* [Philippians 3:3-9](/philippians/3-3-9 "Philippians 3:3-9 - Paul's Boasting in Christ"): "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh... But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ."
* [1 Corinthians 1:26-31](/1_corinthians/1-26-31 "1 Corinthians 1:26-31 - God Chooses the Weak"): "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise... That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a timeless and piercing challenge to believers across generations, urging us to critically examine the criteria by which we evaluate ourselves, others, and especially those in spiritual leadership. In a world saturated with curated images and outward performances, the temptation to judge by "outward appearance" remains potent. We are called to cultivate spiritual discernment, looking beyond charisma, popularity, or material success to discern genuine spiritual fruit, Christ-like character, and faithfulness to God's Word. Furthermore, Paul's warning against "trusting to himself that he is Christ's" is a profound call to humility, reminding us that our belonging to Christ is entirely by grace, not by any self-proclaimed merit or outward display. This should guard us against spiritual pride, elitism, and the tendency to boast in anything other than the Lord. Recognizing that all true believers are equally "Christ's" fosters profound unity, dismantling divisions based on human distinctions and cultivating a community where our shared identity in our common Lord transcends all superficial differences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in my evaluation of others do I tend to "look on things after the outward appearance" rather than discerning spiritual truth?**
* **How might I be "trusting to myself" in my identity as Christ's, rather than humbly resting in His grace and ownership?**
* **How does the truth that "as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's" challenge any tendencies towards spiritual elitism or division within the body of Christ?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate deeper spiritual discernment and a more Christ-centered perspective in my judgments?**

### FAQ

**What was the "outward appearance" that concerned the Corinthians, and why was it a problem?**

Answer: The "outward appearance" (Greek: _prosopon_) referred to external factors that the Corinthians were using to judge Paul and his opponents. This likely included things like physical presence, oratorical skill, charismatic demeanor, worldly wisdom, social standing, or even the perceived wealth and success of a minister. Paul's opponents likely boasted in these very things, contrasting them with Paul's more humble and often suffering appearance, his lack of "eloquence" by worldly standards, and his refusal to accept financial support (cf. [2 Corinthians 11:7-9](/2_corinthians/11-7-9 "2 Corinthians 11:7-9 - Paul's Refusal of Support")). This was a problem because it led the Corinthians to evaluate spiritual authority and authenticity based on carnal, superficial criteria rather than on the true power of God working through Paul's ministry, which was often demonstrated in weakness and suffering (cf. [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness")). It fostered division and undermined the true nature of Christ-centered leadership.

**How does Paul's assertion "even so are we Christ's" relate to his apostolic authority?**

Answer: Paul's assertion "even so are we Christ's" is a powerful declaration of his legitimate apostolic authority, directly countering the criticisms of his opponents. By stating that he and his co-workers are just as much "Christ's" as anyone else who claims this identity (including those who boast against him), Paul levels the playing field. He implies that if the Corinthians recognize their own belonging to Christ, they must also recognize his. His authority does not stem from outward charisma or human credentials, but from his direct commission by Christ and his authentic possession by Him. This shared identity in Christ is the ultimate basis for his right to speak and act as an apostle, and it challenges the Corinthians to acknowledge the spiritual reality of his ministry, regardless of his "outward appearance." It shifts the focus from human approval to divine ownership, asserting that his ministry is validated by Christ Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 10:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the principles Paul articulates. Christ Himself did not come "after the outward appearance"; Isaiah prophesied that He would have "no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him" ([Isaiah 53:2](/isaiah/53-2 "Isaiah 53:2 - Christ's Appearance")). Yet, His authority was absolute, stemming not from worldly power or charismatic display, but from His divine nature and His perfect obedience to the Father (cf. [John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Judges Righteously")). He consistently challenged superficial judgment, teaching His followers to look beyond external show to the heart and true spiritual fruit (e.g., [Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27-28 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Pharisees")). Moreover, our very identity as "Christ's" is a direct result of His redemptive work; we are bought with His blood and indwelt by His Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Bought with a Price")). Paul's argument that "as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's" points to the profound union believers share with Christ, where our worth and authority are derived solely from our belonging to Him, not from our own merits or outward performances. Thus, Christ is both the standard by which we should judge (by His character and Spirit) and the very essence of our true identity, fulfilling the call to look beyond the superficial to the divine reality of His ownership.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 14:37

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:12

¶ For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to [answer] them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

John 7:24

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

1 Corinthians 9:1

¶ Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

1 Corinthians 3:23

And ye are Christ's; and Christ [is] God's.

1 John 4:6

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.