What does it mean that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (2 Corinthians 10:4)?

Answer

In 2 Corinthians 10:3–4, Paul discusses spiritual warfare: “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (NKJV). The term “carnal” here refers to physical weapons that are of the flesh or human in nature.

The apostle Paul, after addressing the duty of charitable giving in 2 Corinthians 9, now defends himself against accusations made by his opponents. His main goal is to uphold his apostolic authority and show that, like the other apostles, he rightfully holds the apostolic office (cf: 1 Corinthians 15:3-11 and Galatians 2:7-10).

This defense covers 2 Corinthians 10–12. In chapter 10, Paul emphasizes that he did not use external factors to validate himself: no “carnal” weapons (verse 4), no superficial appearance, and no human wisdom or eloquence (cf: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

False teachers in the Corinthian church challenged Paul’s apostolic authority. These teachers boasted about their natural abilities and accomplishments—their weapons were carnal. The specific nature of their accusations against Paul is unclear but can be deduced from the epistle itself.

In 2 Corinthians 10:1, it seems that the false teachers’ main argument centered on Paul’s perceived inconsistency. They alleged that Paul was bold in his letters but lacked the courage to follow through with disciplinary actions. In essence, they claimed he was all talk and no action. In response, Paul provides the following rebuttal:

First, heAppeals to the meekness and gentleness of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:1-2; cf: Philippians 2:5-11). In doing so, Paul skillfully defends his own gentleness against their criticisms. He implores them, however, to refrain from giving him a reason to demonstrate the boldness that he had purposed. Paul had no desire to exhibit boldness and severity when administering discipline, as stated in 2 Corinthians 10:1–2.

Second, Paul assures the church that the “weapons of [his] warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (verse 4, KJV). In other words, the weapons that Paul used were spiritual, not fleshly. Carnal weapons, such as manipulation and deceit, will not succeed against spiritual enemies. For this reason, Paul appeals to the strength of God, which demolishes strongholds and anything that stands in opposition to the truth of God’s Word cf: Ephesians 6:10.

A stronghold is anything on which one relies. The false teachers in Corinth relied on human reasoning and argumentation to attack Paul and fortify their position against him. Paul would have none of this. Instead of relying on similar tactics, Paul took up the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17).

The false teachers’ reliance on carnal weapons caused them to manipulate and deceive, but Paul equipped himself with the belt of truth. They fought with sinfulness of heart and mind, but Paul put on the breastplate of righteousness. They fought with eloquent words, but Paul walked in the shoes of the gospel. They fought with human strength and wisdom, but Paul defended himself with the shield of faith. They fought with human authority, but Paul had the helmet of salvation. They fought with demonic schemes and strategies, but Paul wielded the sword of the Spirit.

Christ relied on spiritual, not carnal, weapons.When He fought against His enemies (Philippians 2:6-8). After Peter “struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear,” Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:51-53). The false teachers at Corinth, who were carnal-minded, would have viewed Jesus as weak and feeble. However, Jesus demonstrated that the best way to fight against our enemies is to humble ourselves and allow the power of God to work in and through us.