(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Ver. 4. Are not carnal] i.e. Weak, opposed here to mighty. The flesh is weak as water, therefore called the old man, old leaven, &c. These weak weapons of the false apostles (here intimated and taxed) are human eloquence, artificial composures, &c., of those verbalists, Qui exceptis verbis tinnulis et emendicatis nihil loquuntur, as Jerome hath it.
But mighty through God] Note here the apostle's modesty. Not we, saith he, but our weapons are mighty; and not through us that wield them, but through God that works by and with them. See Trapp on " 1Co 15:10 "
To the pulling down of strong holds] Forts, munitions, trenches, cages of foul spirits inhabiting men's hearts.