101 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!
101 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!--
101 And now a personal but most urgent matter; I write in the gentle but firm spirit of Christ. I hear that I'm being painted as cringing and wishy-washy when I'm with you, but harsh and demanding when at a safe distance writing letters.
101 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.
101 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.
10 For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing."
10 For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account."
10 "His letters are brawny and potent, but in person he's a weakling and mumbles when he talks."
10 "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."
10 For some say, "Paul's letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!"
(Read 2 Corinthians 10:7-11)
In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despised in the eyes of some, but this was a false rule to judge by. We must not think that none outward appearance, as if the want of such things proved a man not to be a real Christian, or an able, faithful minister of the lowly Saviour.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10:1
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10:1-6
(Read 2 Corinthians 10:1-6)
While others thought meanly, and spake scornfully of the apostle, he had low thoughts, and spake humbly of himself. We should be aware of our own infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us. The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing. What opposition is made against the gospel, by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men! But observe the conquest the word of God gains. The appointed means, however feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through God. And the preaching of the cross, by men of faith and prayer, has always been fatal to idolatry, impiety, and wickedness.