1. Introduction: Paul’s unimpressive presence (10:1-11)

Paul discusses five features of his personal presence. These perhaps represent “accusations” raised against Paul by a “Corinthian challenger and his sympathizers” and Paul’s “response to each” (Talbert, 111). In any case, these features obviously echo the assertions of others: some people . . . think (v.2); anyone is confident (v.7); some say (v.10); and such people should realize (v.11).

We can only conjecture as to what occasioned such assessments of Paul. His stated purpose in 2Co 10:1-11 is not to inform his first readers of opinions about him that they knew well. Nor is it to defend himself against their accusations. At the outset of the section he insists that his goal is hortatory: I appeal to you (10:1). Although he notes the basis for his appeal in the meekness and gentleness of Christ (v.1), Paul never formally completes the appeal he begins (note the punctuation of the niv). Nevertheless, its burden appears to be expressed implicitly in the verses following the verb deomai, I beg, in 10:2. They should put their house in order so as not to force him to display his boldness in opposition to the disobedient in Corinth on his next visit (explicit in 13:10). They are to conform to the pattern of Christ modeled in the example of Paul’s despised personal presence.