2 Corinthians 10:2

Beseech. Gr. deomai, “to beg,” “to plead.” Deomai expresses more urgency than parakaleo (2 Cor. 10:1; see Matt. 9:38; Luke 8:28; 9:40; Acts 21:39; 2 Cor. 5:20; etc.; see on 2 Cor. 10:1). Paul earnestly desires to be spared the necessity of a decisive show of his authority, which would inevitably embarrass and humiliate them. He pleads with them not to let it come to this. It is characteristic of the spirit of love to shrink from inflicting pain or humiliation on anyone. Patient, earnest, and unobtrusive endeavor to make things right in the spirit of Christian fellowship is always preferable to a public demonstration of authority and administration of discipline.

Bold. That is, in dealing with matters at Corinth. Paul is not here making a hollow boast. Boldness in the face of danger has long been a fixed habit with him (see on chs. 4:8-10; 11:23-27). If need be, the obdurate minority at Corinth will have an opportunity to see this side of Paul’s otherwise humble, patient, meek character. There will be no fear of any man, no hesitancy to act. For once, he will deal boldly with them (ch. 11:21) unless a change in their attitude and conduct makes it unnecessary for him to do so. It is entirely for them to decide. He is fully prepared to confront his critics personally and to deal effectively with them.

As if we walked. Or, “as if we acted.”

The flesh. Here, the unregenerate person, the carnal, natural, worldly side of man uninfluenced by the Holy Spirit (see on Rom. 7:24; cf. on 1 Cor. 9:27). Man’s natural impulses are called “the lust of the flesh” (1 John 2:16). Those who are controlled and guided by the Spirit do not “fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16; cf. Eph. 2:3; 2 Peter 2:18). The Bible speaks of “fleshly wisdom” (2 Cor. 1:12). A carnal person is said to “mind the things of the flesh” (Rom. 8:5; cf. Col. 2:18). “No good thing” resides in the “flesh” (Rom. 7:18), for it is “enmity against” God (ch. 8:7).

Judging him by themselves, the enemies of Paul at Corinth seem to have accused him of being motivated by selfish, worldly aims (cf. 2 Cor. 1:17). It is always the character of such men to judge the motives and conduct of others by the level of their own. But when confronted by a man of Paul’s sanctified boldness and courage they take refuge either in flight or in affected servility. They shrink to their true, small stature.