2 Corinthians 10:2

But I beseech [you], that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

But {G1161} I beseech {G1189} you, that I may not {G3361} be bold {G2292} when I am present {G3918} with that confidence {G4006}, wherewith {G3739} I think {G3049} to be bold {G5111} against {G1909} some {G5100}, which {G3588} think {G3049} of us {G2248} as {G5613} if we walked {G4043} according {G2596} to the flesh {G4561}.

But I beg you not to force me to be intimidating when I am with you, as I expect to be toward some who regard us as living in a worldly way.

I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh.

yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

In 2 Corinthians 10:2, the Apostle Paul continues his defense against critics in the Corinthian church who questioned his apostolic authority and accused him of operating on worldly principles. He expresses a desire to avoid being bold or severe in person, yet warns that he fully intends to exercise such authority against those who believe he and his associates are "walking according to the flesh."

Context of 2 Corinthians 10:2

This verse is part of a crucial section (chapters 10-13) where Paul shifts from a tone of reconciliation and joyous partnership (chapters 1-9) to a more direct and assertive defense of his apostleship. He is confronting specific challenges from individuals, possibly false apostles, who were undermining his ministry in Corinth. These opponents likely boasted of their own credentials and accused Paul of being weak in person, yet bold in letters (see 2 Corinthians 10:1). The accusation that Paul "walked according to the flesh" was a serious charge, implying he was motivated by human desires or worldly wisdom rather than divine guidance.

Key Themes in 2 Corinthians 10:2

  • Apostolic Authority and Discipline: Paul asserts his God-given authority, indicating he is prepared to use it for the spiritual health of the church, even if it means confronting certain individuals. His preference, however, is for the Corinthians to repent so that such stern measures are not necessary.
  • Spiritual vs. Carnal Living: The core accusation Paul refutes is that he operates "according to the flesh." This highlights a central theme of the epistle: the contrast between relying on human strength, wisdom, or worldly methods and operating by the power and Spirit of God. Paul's ministry, despite its apparent weakness to some, was fundamentally spiritual.
  • Paul's Reluctance to Be Harsh: Despite his resolve to exercise authority, Paul's heart is evident. He wishes not to be bold in a disciplinary sense when he arrives, showing his pastoral care and desire for the Corinthians' voluntary obedience and restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "bold" in this verse is parrhesia (παρρησία), which often conveys frankness, confidence, or freedom of speech. Here, it carries the nuance of exercising authority without hesitation or fear, particularly in a confrontational or disciplinary manner. The phrase "walked according to the flesh" (κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦμεν - kata sarka peripatoumen) does not primarily refer to immoral behavior, but rather to living or operating by human standards, wisdom, or strength, as opposed to divine power and spiritual principles. Paul strongly refutes this notion, emphasizing that while he lives in the flesh, he does not wage war according to the flesh.

Related Scriptures

Paul's defense here sets the stage for his subsequent declaration that the weapons of his warfare are not carnal but mighty through God. His authority, though questioned, was given for building up the church, not tearing it down (2 Corinthians 13:10). This passage also echoes earlier themes in 2 Corinthians about God's power being made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), directly contrasting the worldly view of strength.

Practical Application of 2 Corinthians 10:2

  • Authentic Ministry: This verse reminds us that true Christian ministry, whether in leadership or personal witness, must operate by divine principles and power, not by human manipulation, worldly wisdom, or carnal boasting.
  • Accountability and Discipline: Church leaders are called to exercise spiritual authority when necessary, though always with a heart for restoration and a preference for voluntary repentance over disciplinary action.
  • Self-Examination: Believers should regularly examine their own motives and methods. Are we walking "according to the flesh" in our decisions, relationships, or service, or are we truly relying on the Spirit of God?
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.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:10

    Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:2

    I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

  • Galatians 5:16

    [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

  • Galatians 5:25

    If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

  • Ephesians 2:2

    Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

  • Ephesians 2:3

    Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:18

    Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

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