2 Corinthians 10:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—

NIV: By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you--I, Paul, who am 'timid' when face to face with you, but 'bold' toward you when away!

NASB: Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!

CSB: Now I, Paul, myself, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent.

NLT: Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ — though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away.

KJV: Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

NKJV: Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ— who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

The end of chapter 9 completed an appeal to the Corinthians. Paul called on them to renew their enthusiasm for the collection for the Jerusalem Christians. Here, Paul returns to a defense of himself, especially from those in Corinth who are questioning his integrity.

He begins by declaring himself boldly. "I, Paul, myself" he writes, intending to emphasize exactly who he is in Christ in the following verses. He appeals to the virtues exhibited by Christ. Properly understood, qualities such as meekness and gentleness were valued in the Greek culture of Paul's day. In fact, they were expected from strong leaders.

As used here, meekness is not weakness. The Greek term prautētos has more to do with humility than softness; it implies strength under control. In Paul's case, comparing his letters to his personal conduct, it means the ability to keep a calm spirit under pressure. Paul can keep his power under control and not exercise it beyond what is necessary.

Gentleness, too, requires responding to others with understanding. The Greek term epieikeias implies someone who can adjust to circumstances and responses, rather than forcing them to adjust to you. Another translation for this word is "tolerance." Paul wants the Corinthians to see that he is approaching them with these Christlike qualities and not with weakness.

Some in Corinth, apparently, were saying that Paul was weak, at least in person. He quotes them in this verse as saying that he is "humble"; in this context, this is meant in the sense of being downcast, low, or lacking confidence. This, supposedly, is Paul's attitude when he is with them, as opposed to being brash when he is away, writing his letters. He will counter that accusation in the following verses.

Second Corinthians 10:1–18 contains Paul's response to charges against him from critics in Corinth. They claim that though his letters are potent, he is pathetic in person. Paul does not argue either point. However, he issues a stern warning: that he will arrive prepared for boldness in Christ in punishing every disobedience. He describes the conflict with the false apostles as a spiritual war. He and his associates plan to win that battle by capturing the thoughts of the Corinthians again so they will obey Christ. He will not boast to defend himself except in the Lord.

Critics and other opponents in Corinth argue that though Paul's letters are strong and weighty, he is unimpressive in person. In response, Paul warns the Corinthians not to make him show how bold he can be when he arrives. Paul and his partners fight for the truth about God and the gospel. They battle using spiritual weapons that destroy false arguments. He won't trade boasts with the false apostles, but will only boast in the Lord, who approves of him. The Corinthians should know that—they came to Christ as a result of Paul's ministry to them as an apostle.

Second Corinthians 10 continues the pattern of Paul's letter, as he deals with one topic after another in an orderly way. After concluding his comments about the contribution to the Christians in Jerusalem, Paul tackles a personal charge against him: that he is too unimpressive in person to be a true apostle of Christ. He insists he will follow through on the strong words in his letters when he comes to see them. He is fighting a spiritual war for the minds of the Corinthians and their obedience to Christ and will not stoop to the blatant self-promotion of the false apostles. This counter of false teachers continue into chapter 11.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.