He actually had quite a bit of authority and forcefulness in his mannerism, but he also had that side of gentleness that he needed in instructing members of the church. So, Paul's meekness and gentleness as a servant of Christ should not be confused with timidity. II Corinthians 10:1Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ-who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. He writes of the "the meekness and gentleness of Christ." Right at the beginning of this passage, Paul uses two words that set the whole tone of his purpose in writing this chapter. He explains that his war, and theirs, is a spiritual war. Paul addresses the whole church on this issue. So, it was left up to the congregation, in one sense, how he would approach them, whether it would be gentle or stern. Paul preferred to come to Corinth "with love, in a spirit of gentleness" but, if necessary, he was ready to come, rod in hand. Yet, he indicates his total readiness to exercise his authority if they would not refuse to listen to his slanderers and change their own attitudes toward God's minister. Paul wanted to avoid a display of boldness on his upcoming visit. They basically placed him on a physical level using physical tactics. He was stating this regarding a vocal minority who persisted in thinking that worldly standards and motives governed all his conduct and that he relied on human powers and methods in his ministry. This charge is a repeat of what Paul used as his prelude to chapter 10, "I, Paul, myself am pleading with you." He took that gentle approach. "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible." II Corinthians 10:8-10For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed-lest I seem to terrify you by letters. Paul calls these "the wisdom of this world."Īround 55-56 AD, Paul had been accused of being forceful and bold shooting his printed arrows at a distance, but subservient and weak-kneed when personally present, weakly voicing his demands. In this society today, as in the society of the first century, these evil strongholds that crumble before the weapons of the spirit are such things as intellectualism and traditions of men. Total reliance must be placed on the spiritual weaponry, which is divinely effective for demolishing seemingly impregnable evil strongholds and defending the ongoing attacks. We can wage a successful campaign in the spiritual realm only as worldly weapons are abandoned. There is no denying that all Christians have human weaknesses, but we know that spiritual warfare demands spiritual weapons. There is a clear distinction between existence in the world, and worldly conduct and methods. The promised reward that such a person will inherit the earth is a bold contradiction of worldly wisdom. In such a context, Jesus portrays the ideal disciple as someone who is meek and gentle. Today, frequently, the heads of large corporations are those who have robbed others blind, stolen secrets, and cheated people of their retirement funds. The politicians most often voted into office are usually the biggest liars, and the most ruthless of men and women. Often, the most rewarded sales people are those with the most aggressive methods. In contrast, the meek and gentle person is ridiculed for being weak and soft, and of no real value in society. Most of the world's cultures have reserved their rewards for people who compete successfully through strength of will and superior power. Most of the world's literature and entertainment has exalted the conquering hero who refuses to submit, and who exerts his or her interests against anyone who might challenge those interests. In the world, sometimes those with the greatest opportunity to help, offer only harsh and biting words. "But I cannot allow you to starve to death, can I?" "So?" asked the employee, his hope returning. "I know perfectly well that you are not being paid what you are worth!"
Listen to this dialogue between a sharp-tongued boss and a dissatisfied employee seeking a raise: