2 Corinthians 10:1-2

2 Corinthians 10:1-2

[1] Now  I  Paul  myself  beseech  by  and  gentleness  of Christ,  who  in  presence  am base  among  but  being absent  am bold  toward  [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  as  if we walked  according  to the flesh. 

What does 2 Corinthians 10:1-2 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul may have identified himself by name here so his readers would have no doubt that what he proceeded to say indeed came from him. Whenever he described himself as "I Paul" (and here "myself"), he made his point with strong emphasis (cf. Galatians 5:2; Ephesians 3:1; Colossians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:17; Philemon 1:19). He began by gently asking his readers to respond to his appeal to submit to his apostolic authority. This was important so that when he came he would not have to deal severely with those who opposed him (cf. Acts 5:1-10). The description of himself in 2 Corinthians 10:1 b is his critics". Those individuals were saying that Paul was behaving as a carnal Christian ( 2 Corinthians 10:2; cf. 2 Corinthians 1:12-24). He sent forceful letters to them, especially his "severe letter," but when he was with them in person he was less aggressive. However his meekness (mercifulness) and gentleness were characteristics of Christ rather than signs of personal timidity ( 2 Corinthians 10:1; cf. Matthew 23; John 2:14-22). Paul did not want to have to be critical when he arrived in Corinth, yet he was ready to be if necessary.
"In 2 Corinthians 10:2 Paul gives the probable clue to his critics" basis of opposition to him. Judging his attempted discipline of moral offenders in Corinth to have been ineffectual, they "reckon" that Paul must be a man who "walks according to the flesh."" [1]