High Things
The Biblical Concept
The phrase "high things" appears in key New Testament passages where the apostle Paul addresses the danger of pride and the supremacy of God's truth over human pretension. In Romans 12:16, Paul instructs believers, "Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation." Here "high things" represents the proud ambitions, social climbing, and self-exaltation that characterize worldly thinking. The contrast with "things that are lowly" emphasizes that the Christian life is marked by humility rather than the pursuit of status.
Strongholds of the Mind
The most theologically rich use of the concept appears in 2 Corinthians 10:5, where Paul writes about "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." The Greek word "hupsoma" (meaning height, elevation, or high place) is used here metaphorically to describe intellectual and spiritual fortifications erected against God's truth. Like a fortress tower built up by an enemy, these "high things" are systems of thought, philosophies, and worldviews that position themselves as superior to divine revelation.
The Military Metaphor
Paul's language in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 draws on military imagery. Though believers live in the flesh, they do not wage war according to the flesh. Their weapons are not worldly but divinely powerful for destroying strongholds. The "high things" are part of this fortified opposition — proud towers of human reasoning that must be pulled down. The metaphor envisions the gospel as a conquering force that does not merely debate with error but demolishes it, taking every thought captive. This is not physical violence but spiritual and intellectual warfare conducted through truth, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Old Testament Background
The concept of proud heights being brought low is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy. Isaiah declared that "the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up — and it shall be brought low" (Isaiah 2:12). The prophet envisions a day when every high tower and lofty wall will be cast down (Isaiah 2:15). This prophetic theme connects physical height with spiritual pride, warning that everything humans build up in defiance of God will ultimately be demolished. The Tower of Babel stands as the archetypal example of humanity's attempt to reach the heights in rebellion against God (Genesis 11:1-9).
Humility as the Christian Alternative
The call to reject "high things" is fundamentally a call to humility. Paul's instruction in Romans 12:16 follows his teaching on the proper use of spiritual gifts and mutual love within the body of Christ. Setting one's mind on high things — pursuing prestige, despising the lowly, or considering oneself wiser than others — is incompatible with life in Christ. Instead, believers are to follow the example of Jesus himself, who "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:6-7).
Biblical Context
The phrase 'high things' appears most significantly in Romans 12:16 and 2 Corinthians 10:5. The underlying concepts of pride being brought low and human arrogance confronting divine truth appear throughout Isaiah (2:12-17), the Psalms (18:27; 131:1), Proverbs (16:18; 18:12), and the teachings of Jesus on humility (Luke 14:11; 18:14).
Theological Significance
The concept of 'high things' reveals that the fundamental human problem is pride — the elevation of self, human wisdom, or worldly systems above the knowledge of God. Paul's teaching that these high things must be cast down establishes that the gospel is not merely an alternative viewpoint but the authoritative truth that judges and overcomes all competing claims. The Christian response to pride is not self-confidence but the humble submission of every thought to the lordship of Christ.
Historical Background
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians in the context of defending his apostolic authority against opponents in Corinth who valued rhetorical skill and worldly wisdom. The Greco-Roman culture of Corinth prized eloquence, philosophical sophistication, and social status — precisely the 'high things' Paul challenged. The military metaphor of demolishing strongholds would have resonated with readers familiar with Roman siege warfare, where fortified towers were a primary target during the assault on a city.