Note 1 at 2 Cor. 10:1: In both 1 and 2 Corinthians, Paul had to defend his apostolic authority many times. He is returning to that issue here and continues on this topic until his closing farewells in chapter 13.

Note 2 at 2 Cor. 10:1: Paul had been very stern in defending his apostolic authority over the Corinthians in his first letter (examples: 1 Cor. 3:1-4, 17-18; 4:3, 18-21). Generally, he had been much gentler in this letter, apparently because of a positive response to his previous letter (2 Cor. 7:8-14). Here Paul is beseeching the Corinthians in gentleness and humility to receive his instruction so that he will not have to be harsh on them when he comes.

Note 3 at 2 Cor. 10:1: Paul gives us some rare insight into his physical person and manner of conduct in this chapter. In this verse, he says his outward appearance was base among them.

The Greek word that was translated "base" is "tapeinos" which means "depressed, i.e. (fig.) humiliated." This is the only time in scripture it was translated "base." It was translated "cast down" in 2 Corinthians 7:6; "low degree" in Luke 1:52 and James 1:9; "humble" in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5; and "lowly" in Matthew 11:29. From this we can see that he was apparently a very meek person in the way he carried himself.

In verse 10 he quotes some of his critics who said, ". . .his bodily presence was weak and his speech contemptible." Some people have interpreted this to refer to some physical problem, such as Paul being very small in stature, but this cannot be said authoritatively. In context, Paul is probably just stating that his physical attributes and manner of conduct did not demand respect, nor were they intimidating.

Paul was just an average guy, physically. His power and authority came from within. This should be good news to all us "average" or "below average" people. The power that the anointing of God brings is infinitely more important than our looks or style (see note 11 at 1 Cor. 1:27, p. 864).