8 for even if also anything more abundantly I shall boast concerning our authority, that the Lord gave us for building up, and not for casting you down, I shall not be ashamed; 9 that I may not seem as if I would terrify you through the letters, 10 'because the letters indeed—saith one—'are' weighty and strong, and the bodily presence weak, and the speech despicable.' 11 This one—let him reckon thus: that such as we are in word, through letters, being absent, such also, being present, 'we are' in deed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10:8-11
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10:7-11
(Read 2 Corinthians 10:7-11)
In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despised in the eyes of some, but this was a false rule to judge by. We must not think that none outward appearance, as if the want of such things proved a man not to be a real Christian, or an able, faithful minister of the lowly Saviour.