2 Corinthians 10:2

I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers while geographically separated from them, anticipating a future physical visit. He frames his request within the context of Christ’s mildness and gentleness.

The words — παρὼν (parōn) means being present, and θαρρῆσαι (tharrēsai) means to be bold or act with confidence. Paul states that his future presence should not require him to exercise boldness toward those who claim he operates only by human standards.

The thread — This concern for his future conduct appears in 2 Corinthians 13:10, where Paul explicitly states his desire to avoid being severe when present, and in 2 Corinthians 13:2, where he issues warnings while absent. The theme of rejecting fleshly conduct appears in Galatians 5:16.

Why it lands — The text directly states that Paul hopes to avoid harsh discipline upon his return, which requires the readers to examine whether their behavior warrants correction. It asks readers to align their conduct with spiritual reality rather than outward appearances.

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

But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
2 Corinthians 13:2 I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Ephesians 2:2 in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.
1 Corinthians 4:18 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.
2 Corinthians 12:13 In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.