2 Corinthians 10:1

¶ 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:

Now {G1161} I {G1473} Paul {G3972} myself {G846} beseech {G3870} you {G5209} by {G1223} the meekness {G4236} and {G2532} gentleness {G1932} of Christ {G5547}, who {G3739} in {G2596} presence {G4383} am base {G3303}{G5011} among {G1722} you {G5213}, but {G1161} being absent {G548} am bold {G2292} toward {G1519} you {G5209}:

Now it is I myself, Sha’ul, making an appeal to you with the meekness and forbearance that come from the Messiah, I who am considered timid when face-to-face with you but intimidating from a distance.

Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.

Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

2 Corinthians 10:1 (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:"

Context

This verse marks a shift in Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church. Having addressed various issues earlier, chapters 10-13 deal specifically with challenges to his apostolic authority and character by certain individuals within the church. Paul is defending his ministry and his approach to them, contrasting his seemingly unimpressive physical presence with the spiritual power and authority he possesses as an apostle. This section is sometimes called the "severe letter" or "tearful letter" portion, though it may be a continuation of the main letter, responding to ongoing criticism.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Authority: Paul asserts his authority, not based on worldly power, but on his commission from Christ.
  • Contrast of Presence and Absence: Paul addresses the criticism that he is weak when present but bold in his letters.
  • The Character of Christ: Paul appeals to the meekness and gentleness of Christ as the basis for his appeal, even while preparing to exercise authority.
  • Humility vs. Strength: The verse highlights the paradox of Christian leadership, which often involves humility and gentleness alongside spiritual strength and boldness when necessary.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek words Paul uses for "meekness" (prautēs) and "gentleness" (epieikeia) are significant. Prautēs describes a gentle strength, not weakness, often used of those who are humble and submissive to God's will. Epieikeia suggests fairness, leniency, or reasonableness, qualities associated with equity and grace, often contrasted with harshness or strict legalism. Paul invokes these attributes of Christ to ground his own approach, even when he intends to be firm.

Commentary and Reflection

Paul begins this crucial section by appealing to the very character of Christ – His meekness and gentleness. This sets the tone, indicating that any firmness or boldness he will demonstrate is rooted in Christ's nature, not worldly arrogance. He directly addresses the accusation leveled against him: that he appears "base" or unimpressive ("weak" or "humble" in other translations) when physically present among them, but is "bold" and authoritative when writing letters from a distance. This criticism suggested he lacked courage or genuine authority. Paul acknowledges the perception but prepares to show that his perceived weakness in person does not negate his spiritual authority or his willingness to use it if necessary. He is setting the stage for a defense of his methods and authority, which he will elaborate on in the following verses, explaining that his weapons are not carnal but spiritual. He is preparing to demonstrate the boldness he showed in writing will be matched by his actions if needed.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that true Christian strength and authority are not always displayed through outward show or forceful personalities. Following Christ means embodying meekness and gentleness, even while being prepared to stand firm against opposition or correct wrong behavior. It challenges us to consider if we judge spiritual leaders or fellow believers based on superficial appearance rather than the spiritual power and character of Christ working through them.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 11:29

    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:10

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

  • Galatians 5:2

    Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

  • Romans 12:1

    ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

  • Isaiah 42:3

    A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.

  • Isaiah 42:4

    He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:7

    And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

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