2 Corinthians 10 1

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 verses

2 Corinthians 10 1 Meaning

In this verse, the Apostle Paul begins a critical defense of his apostolic authority and ministry to the Corinthian church. He makes a direct, personal appeal, grounded not in human boastfulness, but in the character of Christ—His meekness and gentleness. Paul contrasts how he is perceived by his detractors: outwardly humble and unimposing when present among them, yet surprisingly forceful and bold in his letters when absent. This verse sets the stage for Paul to address the criticisms against him, especially regarding his demeanor and perceived lack of powerful rhetoric.

2 Corinthians 10 1 Context

This verse serves as the immediate introduction to what is often considered the most intense section of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, typically encompassing chapters 10-13. Paul has previously addressed reconciliation (ch. 1-7) and the collection for Jerusalem (ch. 8-9). Now, he pivots directly to defend his apostolic authority and confront the specific challenges posed by opposing factions within the Corinthian church.

The historical and cultural context is crucial. Paul's authority was being undermined by "super-apostles" or false teachers who boasted of their eloquent speech, worldly wisdom, and impressive credentials, often directly contrasting themselves with Paul. These opponents likely mocked Paul's physical presence (perhaps unremarkable), his speaking style (perceived as unrefined), and his unwillingness to accept financial support (interpreted as a sign he wasn't a "true" apostle). They likely presented him as a weak and indecisive figure when physically present, but as arrogant and bold only from a safe distance in his letters. Paul uses this very accusation, ironically, as a starting point to dismantle their worldly criteria for evaluating spiritual authority.

2 Corinthians 10 1 Word analysis

• Now I, Paul, myself: (Greek: Autos ego Paulos)
  • I, Paul: Emphatic. Paul deliberately steps forward to address the criticism personally, taking ownership of the accusations directed at him.
  • myself (autos): Adds further emphasis, distinguishing him from general pleas or impersonal instruction. It underscores that it is he himself, the one they claim is weak, who makes this appeal. It's a personal challenge and a self-affirmation.
• entreat you: (Greek: parakalō hymas)
  • entreat (parakalō): This verb is rich in meaning. It can mean "to call alongside," "to exhort," "to comfort," "to encourage," or "to appeal to." Here, it's a strong, earnest plea, reflecting his pastoral heart rather than a harsh command, yet carrying the weight of apostolic authority. It contrasts with the aggressive, demanding tone his opponents might have expected or even practiced.
• by the meekness: (Greek: dia tēs praÿtētos)
  • by (dia): Indicates the ground, sphere, or agency of his entreaty. It's through or on account of Christ's character that he appeals.
  • meekness (praÿtēs): This is not weakness or cowardice, but power under control. It describes someone gentle, patient, and considerate, who yields to God's will and deals gently with others, even when they have the power to assert themselves forcefully. It's a key attribute of Christ, often connected to Moses (Num 12:3) and a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23).
• and gentleness: (Greek: kai epieikeias)
  • gentleness (epieikeia): Closely related to meekness, it denotes forbearance, reasonableness, graciousness, equity, or clemency. It's the spirit that does not insist on the letter of the law but deals kindly and considerately, going beyond strict justice. Together with meekness, it paints a picture of Christ-like patience and understanding in ministry.
• of Christ: This phrase is profoundly significant. Paul's appeal is not based on his own perceived qualities but on the very nature of Christ Himself. It sanctifies his approach, elevating it beyond human opinion and directly tying it to the divine example and standard. His ministry reflects Christ's character.
• I who am humble: (Greek: ho katō epi hymōn tapeinos)
  • I who am humble (tapeinos): Literally, "lowly" or "base." This reflects how Paul's opponents portrayed him, contrasting his lowliness with their own impressive worldly characteristics. It could also be an ironic self-description, embracing the perceived criticism. Paul often boasted in his weaknesses, inverting worldly values.
  • when face to face with you: (Greek: parōn) – meaning "present." This refers to his physical presence among them, when his unimpressive appearance and plain speaking style were evident.
• but bold: (Greek: tharrō)
  • bold (tharrō): Confident, courageous, resolute, assured. This directly contradicts his "humble" appearance.
• toward you when absent: (Greek: apōn) – meaning "absent." This refers to his practice of writing authoritative letters when physically separated from them. This reflects the critique that Paul was only brave on paper.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now I, Paul, myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ": This opening functions as Paul's counter-appeal. He leverages his personal authority ("I, Paul, myself") not through human coercion, but through the profound, non-aggressive, yet potent moral force embodied in Christ's character. By appealing "by" Christ's meekness and gentleness, he invokes a divine standard for conduct, implying that their proper response to him should align with their understanding of Christ's character. This directly challenges the worldly and aggressive criteria likely used by his opponents.
• "I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!": This part of the verse encapsulates the core accusation against Paul by his critics. He states it as if directly quoting them, or acknowledging their perception. The apparent contradiction—humble (or weak) in person, but bold (or harsh) in letters—is what he intends to dismantle throughout this section. It sets up a tension between perceived reality and spiritual truth, which Paul will resolve by redefining true spiritual strength through Christ's example of humility and power.

2 Corinthians 10 1 Bonus section

The specific choice of "meekness" (πραΰτης, praÿtēs) and "gentleness" (ἐπιείκεια, epieikeia) for Christ's character is significant. In classical Greek, praÿtēs could sometimes carry a negative connotation of being overly soft or compliant. However, in the biblical context, particularly with Christ, it is radically reinterpreted. Christ is "meek and lowly in heart" (Matt 11:29), entering Jerusalem "humble and mounted on a donkey" (Matt 21:5, quoting Zech 9:9). This meekness is a divine attribute, reflecting a king who serves rather than lords it over others, one whose power is perfectly under control. Similarly, epieikeia captures the idea of fairness and equitableness, often going beyond strict legal justice to show clemency and understanding. These qualities, often mistaken for weakness by the world, are presented by Paul as the very bedrock of genuine Christian leadership and authority. By grounding his appeal in these characteristics, Paul challenges the Corinthians to rethink their understanding of true strength and spiritual leadership, compelling them to align their judgment not with human showmanship but with the very essence of Christ. This verse therefore critiques a worldly church that judged its leaders by external, carnal standards, while asserting a revolutionary standard rooted in the divine humility of the Savior.

2 Corinthians 10 1 Commentary

2 Corinthians 10:1 launches Paul's direct confrontation with the challenges to his apostleship in Corinth. He begins with a profound rhetorical move: addressing the criticisms head-on, almost ironically embracing them. His appeal is rooted not in his personal charisma or powerful rhetoric—which his opponents valued—but "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ." This immediate invocation of Christ's character elevates the entire discussion beyond human ego and worldly standards. Paul positions himself as an imitator of Christ, whose power was paradoxically displayed through humility.

The core of the criticism against Paul was a perceived discrepancy: gentle and mild when present, yet bold and forceful in his correspondence. His adversaries likely interpreted his humility as weakness or indecision. However, Paul views meekness and gentleness not as defects but as divine attributes, a reflection of Christ's character, indicating self-controlled strength, patience, and reasonableness. He acknowledges the appearance of inconsistency to address it directly, signaling his readiness to demonstrate that his apostolic authority, though often exercised through humble service, is backed by genuine spiritual power. This verse foreshadows the subsequent chapters where Paul will elaborate on the true nature of spiritual warfare and the weapons of a genuine apostle. His "meekness" is not weakness, but a conscious Christ-like posture in dealing with others, empowered by God for spiritual warfare, not carnal conflict.