Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 10:1
Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers as he prepares for an upcoming visit, framing his imminent confrontation with a specific appeal to Christ's character.
The words — παρακαλῶ (parakalō) literally means "I exhort" or "I appeal," and διὰ (dia) specifies the means "through" or "by."
The thread — The appeal to Christ's mildness parallels Matthew 11:29, while the contrast between Paul's present absence and future presence aligns with the dynamic in 2 Corinthians 10:10 and the broader ethical appeal in Romans 12:1.
Why it lands — The text states Paul is humble during face-to-face encounters but bold when absent, requiring readers to measure apostolic authority and personal conduct by Christ's gentleness rather than worldly force.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
Cross-references
- Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
- 2 Corinthians 10:10 For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.”
- Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
- Galatians 5:2 Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.
- Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
- 1 Corinthians 2:3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
- 2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
- Psalms 45:4 In your splendor ride forth in victory on behalf of truth and humility and justice; may your right hand show your awesome deeds.
- Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.