1 Corinthians 2:3 - Exposition

I was with you; literally, I became or proved myself, towards you, as in 1 Corinthians 16:10 . In weakness . St. Paul was physically weak and liable also to nervous weakness and depression ( 1 Corinthians 4:7-12 ; Galatians 4:13 ; 2 Corinthians 10:1 , 2 Corinthians 10:10 ; 2 Corinthians 12:7 , 2 Corinthians 12:10 ). He shows an occasional self distrust rising from the consciousness of personal infirmities. This enhances our sense of his heroic courage and endurance. Doubtless this physical weakness and nervous depression were connected with his "stake in the flesh," which seems to have been an acute and distressing form of ophthalmia, accompanied with cerebral disturbance (see my 'Life of St. Paul,' 1:215-221). In fear, and in much trembling. Probably the words are even literally true, though they are a common phrase ( 2 Corinthians 7:15 ; Philippians 2:12 , Philippians 2:13 ; Ephesians 6:5 ). It must be remembered that in his first visit to Corinth St. Paul had gone through stormy and troubled days ( Acts 18:1-12 ).