Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
Ver. 1. By the meekness and gentleness] Whom in those sweet virtues I desire to imitate. The praise of Christ's meekness recorded by the prophet, and explained by Philip, converted the eunuch, Acts 8:27,39 .
Who in presence am base] i.e. Despicable, because I take not upon me, and bear a port, as the false apostles do. Meekness of spirit commonly draws on injuries. A crow will stand upon a sheep's back pulling off wool from her sides.
Am bold toward you] So mine adversaries report me, as if I were over bold and busy by my letters.