"Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present" (2 Cor. 10:11).
This passage fills in the portrait we have of Paul as an apostle endowed with the authority and power to rule the church. Paul’s critics had accused him of being unable to carry out the threats that he had written in his letters. In essence, they called him a hypocrite, claiming that he would write one thing but do another in person.
Some have assumed from this passage (particularly v. 10), “ ‘For his letters,’ they say, ‘are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible,’ ” that Paul was small in stature and of weak constitution. Hodge argues that this was most likely not the case. Paul’s enemies were stirring up the people against him. They were spreading rumors and making false accusations of all types. It is likely that they were not focusing on his physical frame, but contending that while he wrote boldly in his letters, he acted feebly in person. The false teachers were no doubt trying to convince the people in Corinth that the apostle wouldn’t carry out the threats in his letters. It is probably safe to say that when people read Paul’s letters, they became concerned about his warnings and convicted of their wrongdoing. The false teachers wanted to suppress this rising tide in favor of Paul by slandering him and basically saying he was full of hot air.
Paul, however, writes that no matter what his critics might say, he was endowed with the power of Christ for the governing of His church. Paul did not wish to use that power to destroy the church, to simply defend himself against personal attacks, but he wanted to use his authority to edify the people. But, he promised them, if things did not change, he would certainly act as he had written. The people could be assured that he would come in boldness and in all authority when he arrived in Corinth. This is not a picture of a weak and feeble man. Paul suffered many persecutions, traveled many miles, endured hardships of one form or another—not a portrait of a frail person. No, Paul was bold and authoritative, as any leader of the church should be. Even though opposers try to pull down God’s ministers, they remain steadfast because they have been empowered by God and called by Him to rule over the church in gentleness but with authority.
False teachers today try to convince even Christians that Christ will not actually carry out the threats written in His Word. Do you take Christ’s warnings seriously? Are you convinced that when He comes again, He will come wielding the sword of judgment and exercising all authority?
