By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you — I, Paul, who am 'timid' when face to face with you but 'bold' toward you when away — Paul grounds his appeal (*parakaléō*) in *prautēs* (meekness/gentleness) and *epieikeia* (reasonableness) of Christ himself, yet immediately ironizes: he is accused of timidity (*tapeinos*) in person but boldness (*tharrhéō*, confidence) in letters. The irony is *devastating*: Paul is about to demolish his opponents with apostolic authority while claiming meekness.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse