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2 Corinthians 10:2

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 10:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
2 Corinthians 10:2 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:
2yea, I beseech you, that I may not when present show courage with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some, who count of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh
4(for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds),
5casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;
← 2 Corinthians 10:12 Corinthians 10:3 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present, etc..] That is, he entreated them that they would so behave for the future, that he might have no occasion, when he came among them, to use that power and authority they called boldness, which he had received from Christ for edification, and not destruction; as for that asperity and roughness with which he wrote, and which was thought to be too severe, it was in order to reclaim them, and so prevent that sharpness he was empowered by Christ to use: for though he had said in his former epistle, (<460421>1 Corinthians 4:21) “shall I come unto you with a rod or in love? and in the spirit of meekness?” he chose to come in the latter,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I beseech you--Intimating that, as he can beseech in letters, so he can be severe in their presence. that I may not be--that I may not have to be bold, &c. with that confidence--that authoritative sternness. I think--I am minded to be. as if we walked according to the flesh--His Corinthian detractors judged of him by themselves, as if he were influenced by fleshly motives, the desire of favor or fear of giving offense, so as not to exercise his authority when present.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Do not constrain me when present to be bold - To exert my apostolical authority. Who think of us as walking after the flesh - As acting in a cowardly or crafty manner. 2 Corinthians 10:3”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that I: Co2 12:20, Co2 13:2, Co2 13:10; Co1 4:19-21 think: or, reckon we walked: Co2 11:9-13, Co2 12:13-19; Rom 8:1, Rom 8:5; Gal 5:16-25; Eph 2:2, Eph 2:3 2 Corinthians 10:3”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification