Is Apostle Paul making a threat, a warning, or presenting a proposal to the Corinthian congregation in these two verses? Since he is begging them (2), Paul is not threatening them. So, is this a warning or proposal?
Since Paul confesses that his words are in the meekness and gentleness of Christ, this is not even a warning. Rather, Paul is giving them a chance to correct those who have been claiming he lives “by the standards of the world”.
What did they mean by claiming Paul lived “by the standards of this world”? Other translations include “according to the flesh”, “in an unspiritual way”, and “guided by human motives”. The meaning depends on who is making the claim. The rest of the chapter through chapter 12 makes it clear that legalistic judgment teachers are saying that Paul is living sinfully, meaning he does not keep the Law given through Moses. The religious leaders made the same claim about Jesus, and soon they would try to kill Paul in Jerusalem because he “teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place.” (Acts 21:28)
Even today, some who claim Christ cannot or do not distinguish between the rules of men, the former Old Covenant, and the superior New Covenant made in the blood of Christ. They honor the old and set aside the new, and anyone who does not live by their rules, they make the same claim as Apostle Paul’s detractors. Not only that, they sit in the seat of judgment, condemning all who “violate the laws of Moses”. When the one appointed to judge by God comes, what will he say? I need to keep my heart meek and gentle by remaining yoked with Jesus. (Matthew 11:29)
