2 Corinthians 10 2

2 Corinthians 10:2 kjv

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.

2 Corinthians 10:2 nkjv

But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

2 Corinthians 10:2 niv

I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.

2 Corinthians 10:2 esv

I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.

2 Corinthians 10:2 nlt

Well, I am begging you now so that when I come I won't have to be bold with those who think we act from human motives.

2 Corinthians 10 verses

2 Corinthians 10 2 Meaning

In this verse, the Apostle Paul expresses his earnest desire that the Corinthian believers would correct their behavior before his arrival, thus making it unnecessary for him to exercise severe authority. He pleads with them not to force him into a confrontation where he must challenge those who accuse him and his team of operating by worldly principles. Paul seeks reconciliation and obedience born of love, rather than being compelled to demonstrate his apostolic power and spiritual authority, which would manifest as "boldness" or severity against those who doubt his genuine walk with Christ.

2 Corinthians 10 2 Context

Chapter 10 begins Paul's defense of his apostolic authority and his rebuttal against specific challenges from within the Corinthian church. His critics, often "super-apostles" or Jewish-Christian legalists, implied Paul was weak and cowardly in person compared to his bold, sharp letters. They accused him of employing worldly tactics and of not having genuine spiritual authority, perhaps by judging him based on his physical appearance or lack of eloquent oratorical skills common in the Hellenistic world. Paul here expresses his hope to avoid confrontation, implying that his sternness (his "boldness" exercised in divine authority) is a last resort to correct errant behavior and thought processes among the Corinthians, specifically those "some people" who misjudged his character and ministry based on worldly metrics. This sets the stage for his explanation of the true nature of spiritual warfare and apostolic power in the following verses.

2 Corinthians 10 2 Word analysis

• I beg you: The Greek is Parakalō de (παρακαλῶ δέ). Parakalō means "I urge, exhort, entreat, comfort." It indicates a heartfelt appeal rather than a command, demonstrating Paul's desire for reconciliation and gentle guidance, reflecting Christ's meekness (v. 1). This is a pleading tone from an apostle with authority, not a weak man.
• that when I come: Paul is preparing them for his upcoming visit. The imminence of his presence adds weight to his request, emphasizing that the issue is real and pressing. He desires pre-emptive repentance.
• I may not have to be as bold: The Greek is me tharrēsai (μὴ θαρρῆσαι). Tharrēsai means "to be bold, confident, courageous, brave." Here, it refers to exercising his apostolic authority with severity and decisiveness in confronting opposition and sin, not just speaking with confidence. Paul desires not to use this stern form of authority.
• as I expect to be: The Greek is hōs logizomai (ὡς λογίζομαι). Logizomai means "to count, reckon, consider, compute, think, plan." It denotes a settled conviction or expectation. Paul has considered the situation and is resolved to act if necessary. He fully intends to act boldly if forced.
• toward some people: tinase (τινας). This indicates specific individuals or a group within the Corinthian church who were the source of opposition and criticism, likely the false teachers or those swayed by them, not the entire church. This directs the stern warning precisely where it is needed.
• who think: tous logizomenous (τοὺς λογιζομένους). The same root word as "expect," indicating these opponents have formed their own judgments or calculations. Their thinking is a distorted perspective.
• that we live by the standards of this world: The Greek is hōs kata sarka peripatountas (ὡς κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦντας).
  • kata sarka (κατὰ σάρκα) - literally "according to the flesh," or "according to fleshly standards." This refers to principles that are human, unspiritual, unregenerate, and self-serving, as opposed to principles guided by the Spirit of God. It implies acting based on human wisdom, power, and motivations.
  • peripatountas (περιπατοῦντας) - literally "walking." This signifies one's whole conduct, manner of life, or lifestyle. So, "walking according to the flesh" means living a life guided by worldly desires, human calculations, and carnal considerations, rather than spiritual ones. Paul's critics believed he operated like the Sophists of the day, with external show but no true divine power. This accusation struck at the heart of his ministry's authenticity.

2 Corinthians 10 2 Bonus section

The tension between "meekness" (v. 1) and "boldness" (v. 2) highlights a critical aspect of Christian leadership: the balance of gentleness and firm discipline. Paul, though possessing apostolic authority, prefers to appeal gently. However, he is fully prepared to use spiritual boldness – which his opponents mislabel as "worldly" – to protect the church and uphold truth. This boldness is not arrogance but a resolute conviction derived from his calling and powered by the Holy Spirit. His critics, by contrast, measured spiritual authenticity by outward displays or human expectations, themselves walking "according to the flesh" in their judgment. This sets the stage for Paul to clarify the true nature of the Christian spiritual battle, which does not involve carnal weapons but divine power to demolish strongholds (vv. 3-5).

2 Corinthians 10 2 Commentary

Paul's plea in 2 Cor 10:2 reveals his pastoral heart, prioritizing reconciliation over confrontation. He is willing to use severity (his "boldness") but hopes to avoid it, desiring the Corinthians to correct their course themselves. The core accusation he addresses is that his ministry operates "by the standards of this world"—a charge often leveled by his opponents who might have judged him by his humble appearance or lack of worldly rhetorical prowess. Paul aims to dismantle this worldly judgment by asserting the spiritual reality of his authority and ministry. His anticipated "boldness" would be a divine strength, not worldly aggression, demonstrating the power of Christ operating through him, a stark contrast to the superficiality of those judging "according to the flesh." His words serve as both an appeal for obedience and a firm warning of impending disciplinary action for those who remain unrepentant.