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!"
29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
29 When someone gets to the end of his rope, I feel the desperation in my bones. When someone is duped into sin, an angry fire burns in my gut.
29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?
(Read 2 Corinthians 11:22-33)
The apostle gives an account of his labours and sufferings; not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ; and shows wherein he excelled the false apostles, who tried to lessen his character and usefulness. It astonishes us to reflect on this account of his dangers, hardships, and sufferings, and to observe his patience, perseverance, diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all these trials. See what little reason we have to love the pomp and plenty of this world, when this blessed apostle felt so much hardship in it. Our utmost diligence and services appear unworthy of notice when compared with his, and our difficulties and trials scarcely can be perceived. It may well lead us to inquire whether or not we really are followers of Christ. Here we may study patience, courage, and firm trust in God. Here we may learn to think less of ourselves; and we should ever strictly keep to truth, as in God's presence; and should refer all to his glory, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for evermore.
30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
30 If I have to "brag" about myself, I'll brag about the humiliations that make me like Jesus.
30 If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.
30 If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.
(Read 2 Corinthians 11:22-33)
The apostle gives an account of his labours and sufferings; not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ; and shows wherein he excelled the false apostles, who tried to lessen his character and usefulness. It astonishes us to reflect on this account of his dangers, hardships, and sufferings, and to observe his patience, perseverance, diligence, cheerfulness, and usefulness, in the midst of all these trials. See what little reason we have to love the pomp and plenty of this world, when this blessed apostle felt so much hardship in it. Our utmost diligence and services appear unworthy of notice when compared with his, and our difficulties and trials scarcely can be perceived. It may well lead us to inquire whether or not we really are followers of Christ. Here we may study patience, courage, and firm trust in God. Here we may learn to think less of ourselves; and we should ever strictly keep to truth, as in God's presence; and should refer all to his glory, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed for evermore.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10:10
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10:7-11
(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.