2 Corinthians 10:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.”

NIV: For some say, 'His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.'

NASB: For they say, 'His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.'

CSB: For it is said, "His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical presence is weak and his public speaking amounts to nothing."

NLT: For some say, 'Paul’s letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!'

KJV: For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

NKJV: “For his letters,” they say, “ are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”

The accusation in this verse is at the heart of Paul's responses in this chapter. Apparently, a group of false teachers had crept in among the Corinthians to challenge Paul's authority as an apostle. One thing they pointed to was how unimpressive he was as a speaker, compared with the eloquent and dramatic secular speakers famous in Greek society. The false apostles apparently gave him credit for "weighty and strong" letters, but they suggested that a true apostle would be just as impressive and convincing face to face.

Another likely meaning of this criticism is hypocrisy; the false teachers are suggesting that Paul is only brave when he's far away, and not so bold in person. Paul will answer that what he does, and what he will do, when he is with them in person is far more important than how he looks or sounds when doing it.

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.

Accessed 5/7/2024 7:51:45 PM