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2 Corinthians 10:10
ESV For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.”
NIV For some say, 'His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.'
NASB For they say, 'His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.'
CSB For it is said, "His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical presence is weak and his public speaking amounts to nothing."
NLT For some say, 'Paul’s letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!'
KJV For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

What does 2 Corinthians 10:10 mean?

The accusation in this verse is at the heart of Paul's responses in this chapter. Apparently, a group of false teachers had crept in among the Corinthians to challenge Paul's authority as an apostle. One thing they pointed to was how unimpressive he was as a speaker, compared with the eloquent and dramatic secular speakers famous in Greek society. The false apostles apparently gave him credit for "weighty and strong" letters, but they suggested that a true apostle would be just as impressive and convincing face to face.

Another likely meaning of this criticism is hypocrisy; the false teachers are suggesting that Paul is only brave when he's far away, and not so bold in person. Paul will answer that what he does, and what he will do, when he is with them in person is far more important than how he looks or sounds when doing it.
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