Paul launched a defense of his authority in the church in the tenth chapter of 2 Corinthians. In the first six verses, he revealed the true nature and power of his authority. In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (2 Corinthians 10:7-11), Paul explained that the Lord gave him this authority and he exercised it through his perceived weakness.
The apostle did not conform to worldly patterns of leadership or submit to the expectations of worldly people. He exercised authority with two clear complementary goals in mind: He sought to please Christ, his Lord, and he sought to love the church, Christ’s people.