2 Corinthians 10:7-11

Paul reasoned with the Corinthians 2 Corinthians 10:7-11: Paul's critics were saying that you could just see that they belonged to Christ. He wanted it understood that he belonged to Christ just as much as any of them. He could even boast about his apostolic authority. He wanted to use this authority for their edification and not for their chastisement. His motive in writing was to bless the people and not just frighten them in some way. The critics attempted to belittle Paul by saying, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account."

Paul wanted these critics to understand that what he promised he would do. These people should know that when Paul was with them that he would do exactly what he said in his letters. His teaching and dealing with error would be the same whether present or absent. This was true because as an apostle he spoke as the Spirit guided him. It was not his message but he spoke for God.