Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Corinthians 10:7-11

"Ye look at the things that are before your face. If any man trusteth in himself that he is Christ`s, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ`s, so also are we. For though I should glory somewhat abundantly concerning our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), I shall not be put to shame: that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account. 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 10:7-11 (ASV)

In outward appearance, Paul was unimpressive and despised in the eyes of some, but this was a false rule to judge by. We must not think that an unimpressive outward appearance, as if the lack of such things proved a person not to be a real Christian, or an able, faithful minister of the lowly Savior.