Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
Do ye regard mere outward appearance-person, voice, manner, oratory, presence face to face, such as they admired in the false teachers, to the disparagement of absent Paul? (2 Corinthians 10:10; note, 2 Corinthians 5:12.) Even in outward bearing when present (in contrast to "by letters," 2 Corinthians 10:9), I will show you that I more really have the authority of Christ than those who arrogate the title of being peculiarly 'Christ's' (1 Corinthians 1:12). Billroth objects that what follows-namely, being or not being Christ's-is not a question of outward appearance. He translates, 'Behold what is before your eyes-namely, what I have done in founding your church' (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:14). But the former interpretation does not make BEING Christ's a question of outward appearance, but one EVIDENCED by it.
Let him of himself think this again. He may "of himself," without having to be taught it in a more severe manner, by 'thinking again,' reach "this" conclusion, 'that even as,' etc. Paul modestly demands for himself only an equal place with his spiritual children.