2Cor042 Authority is for edification

Responding to false impressions and false charges, Paul unfolds the nature and purpose of ministerial authority. Some in Corinth challenged Paul's use of authority, claiming it was soft and unimpressive in appearance. Paul's counter is that he exercised his authority according to its nature, which is Christ-given, and its aim, which is for the purpose of edifying the church rather than for tearing it down. The lesson for the contemporary church is that Christ has put a real authority in the ministry of the church which is indispensable for building the church up in spiritual grace and maturity.