A common struggle in the Christian life is the fight to control the thoughts. Patterns of thinking associated with the old self need to be transformed by the renewal of our minds (Rom 12:2; Eph 4:23). As with every other area of growth, we are right to employ the Scriptures in this fight (Psa 119:9, 11).
Second Corinthians 10:5 is one of the verses most often used to this end. Biblical counseling resources, sermons, and bible studies quite predictably turn to it as a weapon in the fight to direct our minds. The latter half of the verse reads, “…and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Quoted that way, we take it as a very straightforward imperative to render our thoughts in submission to the Lord’s reign.
Back when our podcast was active, we featured episodes entitled, “Does It Really Mean That?”, in which we would consider whether the typical use of a well-known verse or passage was faithful to the context. I was surprised no one ever submitted 2 Corinthians 10:5, asking...
“Does 2 Corithians 10:5 really mean that we should control our own thoughts and bring them into submission to Christ?”
The short answer is that while we certainly should control our thoughts and submit our minds to Christ’s lordship, 2 Corinthians 10:5 does not address that endeavor. We should rather use passages that are intended for that work.
Start with the Context. Context determines meaning. This is a rudimentary principle of communication that we heed constantly in our daily lives. Conversely, when it comes to the Bible, we can be quite comfortable isolating a statement from its context.
In this case, the context suggests that the “thoughts” being combatted are the arguments of Paul’s opponents, not his own unsanctified thoughts. The first section, chapters 1-7, shows Paul defending his ministry. There is tension between him and the Corinthian believers, so he takes time to explain his motives and the nature of true apostleship. In chapters 8-9, Paul pivots to address a practical matter: the collection and delivery of a relief fund for the persecuted believers in Jerusalem. In the final section of chapters 10-13, Paul directly confronts those who had been undermining his authority and leading the church astray via flashy oratory and false teaching.
Consider the verse in context. The popular phrase, “take every thought captive to obey Christ,” comes in that final section (chs10-13) and is found in one long original sentence in 10:3-6:
“3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”
Notice first that the phrase in question is not an imperative at all. We typically quote just the last half of v5, “…and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Sounds like a command when relieved of the context. But when considered in context, it becomes clear that “taking every thought captive” is one aspect of Paul’s not-according-to-the-flesh warfare.
(Now, we frequently derive personal application from passages that contain no commands. That is alone is not a problem. I’m just pointing out how different the verse sounds and appears when we simply read it in the context of just the whole sentence in which it is found.)
A second notable feature, which is present throughout the book, is Paul’s distinction between “we/us” and “you.” The flow of thought in the book clarifies that “we/us” refers to Paul and his fellow apostolic servants (Timothy and Titus [1:1, 7:6]). That is, the “we” in v5 is not inclusive of the recipients. “We (apostles)” in v5 is distinct from “you (Corinthians)” in v6. So the apostles are destroying arguments and taking thoughts captive.
A third notable item is the warfare in which Paul destroys arguments and takes thoughts captive. What war is Paul waging? The context is clear: Paul is not waging war against his own thoughts, but against the accusations and arguments of his opponents, whom he sarcastically refers to as “super-apostles” (11:5; 12:11). A major source of the tension between Paul and the Corinthians (chs1-7) was the influence of these opponents.
A ton could be said about the “super-apostles,” their false teaching (11:4), and their accusations against Paul (10:10; 11:6). Suffice to say that the passage at hand deals with Paul’s struggle against them. This is the “warfare” mentioned in 10:3-6. The “arguments” and “lofty opinions raised against the knowledge of God” are the lies propagated about Paul and his gospel.
The best contextual understanding of 2 Corinthians 10:5… Paul is not instructing believers to take their own thoughts captive, nor is he describing the taking of his own thoughts captive. Rather, he defends his apostleship, explaining the nature of his “warfare” for the gospel, that it is not fleshly, but of the Spirit. Part of this warfare includes defeating arguments raised by his opponents against the gospel (“knowledge of God”), arguments that might stand in the way of conversions, the “taking every thought/mind captive to obey Christ.”
That is, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 is an apologetic text dealing with defense of the faith rather than a personal sanctification text exhorting control of one's own thoughts.
Why does it matter? If we know that this is a good thing to do—to control our thoughts and bring them into subjection to the Lord—why not use any text to that end? Because the power of Scripture flows through the Holy Spirit’s intent for that passage. When we use a passage outside of its intent, we are essentially misquoting the Holy Spirit, assigning our meaning to His Words.
Can you drive a nail with screwdriver? Probably. But…it will take longer than it has to, you may destroy the tool, the nail likely won’t go in straight, etc. Use a hammer, the tool intended for driving nails. Far safer and more effective.
What are some tools intended for the purpose of controlling our thoughts?
Philippians 4:8 “8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Colossians 3:1–2 “1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Romans 12:2 “2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
1 Peter 1:13 “13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Romans 8:5–6 “5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Proverbs 4:23 “23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
How can we avoid using verses in ways foreign to their contexts? One way is to read individual books of the Bible repetitively. Not once a year, but once in one sitting. Then do the same thing the next day and the next and the next…for two weeks to a month. In the end, you’ll understand the book overall. Further, every time you hear a verse from that book you’ll know exactly where it's from and how it fits into the argument of the book. And most pertinent to this discussion, you’ll be hard pressed to use one verse of that book out of context…because you’ll understand the flow of thought.
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