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:
2 Corinthians 10:1 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.
2 Corinthians 10:1 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!
2 Corinthians 10:1 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! ?
2 Corinthians 10:1 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.
2 Corinthians 10 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 10:1 | "Now I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ..." | Core passage |
| Gal 5:22-23 | "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." | Attributes of Christ exemplified |
| Matt 11:29 | "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart..." | Christ's own description of himself |
| Phil 2:5-8 | "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped..." | Christ's humility and self-abasement |
| 1 Peter 2:21-23 | "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps..." | Christ's suffering and example |
| 2 Cor 1:3-4 | "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction..." | God's comfort in affliction |
| 2 Cor 13:4 | "For though he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we are weak in him, but in him we will live with him by the power of God..." | Contrast of weakness and power in Christ |
| Eph 4:1-2 | "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility, and with gentleness, with patience..." | Exhortation to unity and godly conduct |
| Col 3:12-14 | "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience..." | Virtues to be cultivated |
| Rom 12:1 | "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God..." | Appeal to God's mercy |
| 2 Cor 12:15 | "I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I loved the less?" | Paul's selfless devotion |
| John 13:34-35 | "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." | Christ's command for mutual love |
| 1 Thess 2:7 | "But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children." | Paul's pastoral care |
| Acts 9:31 | "So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied." | Peace and edification of the church |
| Ps 25:9 | "He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way." | God's guidance for the humble |
| Prov 15:33 | "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor comes humility." | Humility leading to honor |
| Zech 9:9 | "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey." | Prophecy of Christ's humble arrival |
| Matt 12:18-21 | "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not wrangle or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets..." | Description of Christ's gentle ministry |
| 1 Cor 4:21 | "What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?" | Paul's contrasting approach |
| 2 Cor 13:2 | "I have told you before and I tell you beforehand, as I did when I was present the second time, so now, absent, I write to those who have sinned formerly and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare you..." | Addressing those who sinned |
2 Corinthians 10 verses
2 Corinthians 10 1 Meaning
Paul, the apostle, appeals to the Corinthians by the meekness and gentleness of Christ. This appeal serves as the foundation for his arguments in the subsequent verses. It highlights that his authority in Christ is exercised with humility and consideration, not with harshness or domineering power.
2 Corinthians 10 1 Context
This verse is the opening statement of 2 Corinthians chapter 10, a pivotal chapter where Paul defends his apostolic authority against his critics in Corinth. These critics were questioning his credentials, his integrity, and the legitimacy of his ministry, likely employing different standards and philosophies common in the Greco-Roman world. Paul had previously faced opposition and harsh judgments from some within the Corinthian church. This chapter marks a shift in his tone, from a more personal and conciliatory approach in chapters 1-9, to a more direct defense of his apostolic power and legitimacy in chapter 10. The historical backdrop includes Paul’s deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian believers and his desire to re-establish his authority in a church experiencing division and false teaching.
2 Corinthians 10 1 Word Analysis
ἐγὼ (egō): "I" - Emphatic. Paul draws personal attention to himself as the one making the plea.
Παῦλος (Paulos): "Paul" - Identifies the author directly.
αὐτός (autos): "myself" - Further emphasizes that the appeal comes from Paul personally, distinguishing himself from any proxies or from mere hearsay.
παρακαλῶ (parakalō): "entreat," "implore," "urge" - A strong, earnest appeal, indicating a plea for a positive response based on persuasive grounds, not coercion. It suggests a desire to be heard and understood.
δειὰ (dia): "by," "through" - Indicates the basis or means of the appeal.
πραότης (praotēs): "meekness," "gentleness," "humility" - A disposition that is not self-assertive or easily provoked. It's a strength under control, not weakness. It refers to a disposition of forbearance and gentleness toward others, especially in response to provocation or wrongdoing. It reflects the character of Christ.
ἐπιεικέας (epieikeias): "gentleness," "kindness," "equity" - Refers to mildness of disposition and conduct, often expressed as a forbearance or leniency in dealing with others. It speaks to being reasonable and fair, particularly when one has the right or power to be harsh. This word carries a sense of considerate bearing towards those who are weaker or have erred. It’s a mildness that tempers strength.
Group of words analysis: "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" - This phrase is the core of Paul’s appeal. It's not just Paul's own character being presented, but the very qualities embodied by Jesus Christ himself. He is identifying his appeal with the core attributes of the Lord he serves, presenting himself as an imitator of Christ. This connects his authority to Christ’s, implying that his actions and words are motivated and shaped by Christ's example and power, rather than worldly might or rhetoric.
2 Corinthians 10 1 Bonus Section
The phrase "meekness and gentleness of Christ" encapsulates key aspects of Christ's earthly ministry and divine character. His interaction with disciples and detractors alike consistently showcased these qualities. Even when confronting religious hypocrisy or asserting divine truth, Jesus did so with an underlying disposition of grace and humility (Matthew 12:18-21, Isaiah 42:2-3). This sets a benchmark for all of Christ’s followers, particularly those in positions of leadership or influence. Paul uses this appeal not just to justify his actions but to subtly indict the pride and harshness potentially displayed by his critics, aligning himself with the superior power found in Christ-like humility and steadfast love, which ultimately conquered death itself.
2 Corinthians 10 1 Commentary
Paul's opening in this chapter sets a distinctive tone for his defense. Instead of immediately launching into sharp retorts, he appeals to the very character of Christ: meekness and gentleness. This isn't a weakness but a strategic invocation of divine character. By associating his appeal with these virtues, Paul highlights that his authority, unlike the superficial claims of his opponents, is rooted in Christ's humble yet powerful nature. He's reminding the Corinthians that true Christian authority is demonstrated not by aggressive force or boastful claims, but by Christ-like gentleness and forbearance, even when dealing with difficult situations and rebellious individuals. This appeal is a spiritual counter-attack, framing his subsequent arguments within the paradigm of Christ’s example, thereby challenging those who oppose him to consider their own alignment with Christ’s character.