2 Corinthians 10:2

King James Version (KJV)

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.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh - As it is customary for cowards and overbearing men to threaten the weak and the timid when present; to bluster when absent; and to be very obsequious in the presence of the strong and courageous. This conduct they appear to have charged against the apostle, which he calls here walking after the flesh - acting as a man who had worldly ends in view, and would use any means in order to accomplish them.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

That I may not be bold - I entreat you so to act that I may not have occasion to exercise the severity which I fear I shall be compelled to use against those who accuse me of being governed wholly by worldly motives and policy. In other words, that I may not be compelled to be bold and decisive in my measures by your improper conduct.

Which think of us - Margin, “reckon.” They suppose this; or, they accuse me of it. By the word “us” here Paul means himself, though it is possible also that he speaks in the name of his fellow apostles and laborers who were associated with him, and the objections may have referred to all who acted with him.

As if we walked - As if we lived or acted. The word “walk” in the Scriptures is often used to denote the course or manner of life; see the Romans 4:12, note; 2 Corinthians 5:7, note.

According to the flesh - see the note on 2 Corinthians 1:17. As if we were governed by the weak and corrupt principles of human nature. As if we had no higher motive than carnal and worldly policy. As if we were seeking our own advantage and not the welfare of the world. The charge was, probably, that he was not governed by high and holy principles, but by the principles of mere worldly policy; that he was guided by personal interests, and by worldly views - by ambition, or the love of dominion, wealth, or popularity, and that he was destitute of every supernatural endowment and every evidence of a divine commission.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

While others thought meanly, and spake scornfully of the apostle, he had low thoughts, and spake humbly of himself. We should be aware of our own infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us. The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing. What opposition is made against the gospel, by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men! But observe the conquest the word of God gains. The appointed means, however feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through God. And the preaching of the cross, by men of faith and prayer, has always been fatal to idolatry, impiety, and wickedness.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

2. Beseech. Gr. deomai, “to beg,” “to plead.” Deomai expresses more urgency than parakaleÃ…Â (2 Cor. 10:1; see Matt. 9:38; Luke 8:28; 9:40; Acts 21:39; 2 Cor. 5:20; etc.; see on 2 Cor. 10:1). Paul earnestly desires to be spared the necessity of a decisive show of his authority, which would inevitably embarrass and humiliate them. He pleads with them not to let it come to this. It is characteristic of the spirit of love to shrink from inflicting pain or humiliation on anyone. Patient, earnest, and unobtrusive endeavor to make things right in the spirit of Christian fellowship is always preferable to a public demonstration of authority and administration of discipline.

Bold. That is, in dealing with matters at Corinth. Paul is not here making a hollow boast. Boldness in the face of danger has long been a fixed habit with him (see on chs. 4:8-10; 11:23-27). If need be, the obdurate minority at Corinth will have an opportunity to see this side of Paul’s otherwise humble, patient, meek character. There will be no fear of any man, no hesitancy to act. For once, he will deal boldly with them (ch. 11:21) unless a change in their attitude and conduct makes it unnecessary for him to do so. It is entirely for them to decide. He is fully prepared to confront his critics personally and to deal effectively with them.

As if we walked. Or, “as if we acted.”

The flesh. Here, the unregenerate person, the carnal, natural, worldly side of man uninfluenced by the Holy Spirit (see on Rom. 7:24; cf. on 1 Cor. 9:27). Man’s natural impulses are called “the lust of the flesh” (1 John 2:16). Those who are controlled and guided by the Spirit do not “fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16; cf. Eph. 2:3; 2 Peter 2:18). The Bible speaks of “fleshly wisdom” (2 Cor. 1:12). A carnal person is said to “mind the things of the flesh” (Rom. 8:5; cf. Col. 2:18). “No good thing” resides in the “flesh” (Rom. 7:18), for it is “enmity against” God (ch. 8:7).

Judging him by themselves, the enemies of Paul at Corinth seem to have accused him of being motivated by selfish, worldly aims (cf. 2 Cor. 1:17). It is always the character of such men to judge the motives and conduct of others by the level of their own. But when confronted by a man of Paul’s sanctified boldness and courage they take refuge either in flight or in affected servility. They shrink to their true, small stature.

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2 Corinthians 10:2