From the Pulpit...

In this section of the letter, Paul asks to be able to come to Corinth with meekness to set things aright, instead of with a less pleasant method of divine power. Some have offered heavy criticism of him personally, including a strong ad hominem attack about his manner of interaction with them. Some are undermining his apostleship. Paul corrects their mistaken idea that he is strong with his words when he writes and timid in person. Instead, he is writing to them "timidly" and in meekness, appealing to them to change their minds and hearts. This was a not about personal attacks against Paul, but the Corinthians attack on his apostleship, his teaching, and his message. To attack these, is to attack the gospel.