Note 4 at 2 Cor. 10:2: Paul was not carried away with his own position and authority. He was a classic example of what Peter told the elders of the churches to be (1 Pet. 5:2-3). Paul was a meek and gentle person (see note 3 at v. 1, p. 1028). Yet, he didn't let his natural personality traits dominate him. He could be as bold as the situation demanded, as can be seen by the statements of his critics (v. 10).

Paul is urging and warning the Corinthians to humble themselves and receive his instructions so that he would not have to be hard on them when he came back to Corinth. He wanted a joyful and peaceful visit with the Corinthians, so he was taking care of problems through these letters (see note 1 at 2 Cor. 2:1, p. 982).

Note 5 at 2 Cor. 10:2: Paul's "flesh" was average at best (see note 3 at v. 1, p. 1028). Therefore, those who judged after the flesh underestimated Paul. He may not have been anything special to look at or "smooth" and "polished" by the standards of his day, but he was anointed by God to do what he was doing. His power and authority came from the Spirit of God and not his flesh. No man, with the anointing of God, need ever be at the mercy of a man who doesn't have the anointing of God.