2 Corinthians 10:10 - Exposition

Say they; literally, says he . The phrase may, indeed, imply "it is said" ( on dit ) ; but it may refer to one main critic and opponent. Perhaps it would have been wiser and kinder if no one had reported to St. Paul all these subterranean calumnies and innuendoes. Weighty and strong. This could not be denied, considering the immense effect which had been produced by his first letter ( 2 Corinthians 7:7 ). His bodily presence is weak. This is usually taken to mean that St. Paul's personal appearance was unprepossessing ( Galatians 4:1 ). This, indeed, we should infer from many other passages ( 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 :34; Galatians 4:13 , Galatians 4:14 ), and as a natural result of his "stake in the flesh." It is, too, the consistent though late tradition respecting him (see my 'Life of St. Paul,' 2:628). Here, however, the words may mean no more than that "he adds nothing to his cause by being present in person, since he shows vacillation and want of energy." Contemptible ; rather, despised (see 1 Corinthians 2:3 , 1 Corinthians 2:4 ).