2 Corinthians 10:10

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

For some people are saying, “Paul’s letters are heavy and severe, but in person he is weak [physically (?)] and his speaking ability is unimpressive.”

Cross References

1 Corinthians 1:17

For Christ did not send me to immerse people, but to preach the good news. [Note: Christ specifically commissioned Paul to preach; most of the immersing was done by his attendants]. It was not to be done with words of [human] wisdom, so that the [message of the] cross of Christ would not have its power taken away.

2 Corinthians 11:6

But even though I am an unpolished speaker, I am not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way.

2 Corinthians 10:1

Now I Paul, who am humble [when speaking] face to face with you, but bold when I am away from you, urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ [Note: This means either Paul was imitating Christ’s behavior or that the Corinthians were to do so]:

1 Corinthians 1:21

For since, according to God’s [true] wisdom, the world did not know about Him through its wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe [in Christ] through the “foolishness” of the message preached.

2 Corinthians 10:9

[Now] I do not want to appear to be trying to scare you by my letters.

2 Corinthians 10:11

Such people should consider this: What we say in our letters when we are away is what we will do when we are there.

2 Corinthians 11:21

I am ashamed to say that we were [too] weak to do such things. [Note: Paul is probably saying, sarcastically, “We are too ‘weak’ to take financial advantage of people and mistreat them the way those ‘super apostles’ there in Corinth were doing”]. Yet, in whatever [matters] anyone [there] dares to boast about, (now I am really speaking foolishly), I will dare to boast also.

2 Corinthians 13:3

since you are looking for proof that Christ is speaking through me. Christ is not weak in His dealing with you, but is powerful among you. [Note: Paul probably refers to the positive effects of his ministry there in Corinth].