2 Corinthians 10:9

9 That I may not seem to have the desire of causing you fear by my letters.

2 Corinthians 10:9 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 10:9

That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
] Here seems to be something wanting, which is to be supplied, The sense is, though I might lawfully boast of the superior authority which we apostles have above other persons, in using sharpness with men insolent and hardened in sin; yet I will not, I forbear every thing of that kind, I drop it, I do not choose to insist upon it; (ana amxm) , "I overlook", or "neglect" it, "I do not care" to do it, as the Syriac version supplies it; and this he thought most prudent and advisable, lest he should give any occasion to the above calumny that he was bold, and blustering, and terrifying by his letters when absent, and only threatened that he had no power to perform.

2 Corinthians 10:9 In-Context

7 Give attention to the things which are before you. If any man seems to himself to be Christ's, let him keep in mind that we are as much Christ's as he is.
8 For though I might take pride in our authority (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for your destruction), it will not be a cause of shame to me:
9 That I may not seem to have the desire of causing you fear by my letters.
10 For his letters, they say, have weight and are strong; but in body he is feeble, and his way of talking has little force.
11 Let those who say this keep in mind that, what we are in word by letters when we are away, so will we be in act when we are present.
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