Note 12 at 2 Cor. 10:7: In the first part of this chapter, Paul made reference to the fact that his bodily presence was not impressive (see note 3 at v. 1). However, he made it clear that his power was not coming from his own natural ability. He was using spiritual weapons and authority (vv. 3-5). Now he returns to their criticisms against his lack of physical ability and he compares his flesh (i.e. natural self) to those who opposed him.

He is saying, "Are you only looking at carnal things? If anyone else can claim to be a servant of Christ based on physical accomplishments, so can we." Paul goes on in the eleventh chapter to do what he calls "foolish boasting" (2 Cor. 11:17) where he lists his physical credentials (2 Cor. 11:21-33). This was done to show that even on a carnal level, he was infinitely more qualified than his critics.