Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 10:11

"Let such a one reckon this, that, what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such [are we] also in deed when we are present." — 2 Corinthians 10:11 (ASV)

However legitimately Paul may have boasted about his God-given authority, he decides to refrain from expanding his simple claim in v.8 lest he appear to be frightening the Corinthians into submission by “weighty and forceful” letters (vv.9–10a). He has no desire to give substance to the charge that he is bold and impressive only when absent (cf. v.1). Those who compare unfavorably what they believe to be his epistolary boldness, “unimpressive” presence, or contemptible rhetoric (v.10) are reminded that when present with them he will act in precise accord with his letters (cf. 13:2, 10).

It is not difficult to understand the origin of the malicious accusation against Paul reported in v.10. Each of his earlier letters to Corinth had been “forceful.” In fact, to judge by their contents, they seemed to be growing more forceful each time! Moreover, unlike his opponents (11:20), Paul avoided self-assertiveness and admitted the inferiority of his rhetorical skills (1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Corinthians 2:1–5; 2 Corinthians 11:6). What he firmly resists, however, is the inference drawn from the claim about his personality and his manner of speaking—namely, that he is “ ‘timid’ when face to face” (v.1).