Note 6 at 2 Cor. 10:3: Although Paul did lead a normal human life in this world, he did not war with the strength of human power or resources. The weapons of the Christian's warfare that knock down the devil's strongholds are not "carnal."

The Greek word used in verse 4 for "carnal" is "sarkikos," and means to be governed by human nature and strength as opposed to being governed by God's Spirit (Thayer). Neither the forces of darkness nor Paul's false accusers could oppose the power of God on which he relied.