2 Corinthians 10:2

I beseech you, that I may not be bold Literally, I entreat the not being bold. Compliance or non-compliance with this request rested entirely with the Corinthians. The word here translated beseechis not the same as the one used in the last verse.

with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold It does not clearly appear from this passage what St Paul meant to do when he arrived at Corinth. He speaks of -pulling down of strongholds," of -casting down whatever exalteth itself" against Christ. But he never says what he intends to do. Calvin (1) interprets the passage of excommunication. Others (2) of bodily punishments, such as those inflicted on Elymas (Acts 13:6-11), or on Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10). Or (3) we may regard it as referring to the authoritative proclamation of the Gospel by one fully inspired, which must of necessity bring about in the end the disappearance of error. This is thought to be implied by 2 Corinthians 10:11, which implies the immediate exercise when present, of the same power which when absent is exercised by letter. But a comparison of 2 Corinthians 10:11 with 1 Corinthians 4:21; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 would lead to the idea of a formal delivery over to Satan of those who wilfully corrupted the doctrine of Christ, and gainsaid the authority of His Apostle. See note on 1 Corinthians 5:5. The word rendered -bold" here is not the same as that in the former part of the verse. It implies (1) to dare, (2) to bear oneself boldly, i.e. to others, while the former word seems to imply confidence in oneself.

against some i.e. the false teachers.

according to the flesh See ch. 2 Corinthians 5:16; Romans 8:1.