Verse 10. Therefore I write these things, etc. This is a kind of apology for what he had said, and especially for the apparently harsh language which he had felt himself constrained to use. He had reproved them; he had admonished them of their faults; he had threatened punishment, all of which was designed to prevent the necessity of severe measures when he should be with them.
Lest being present I should use sharpness. In order that when I come may not have occasion to employ severity. See the sentiment explained in See Barnes |2 Co 10:2|.
According to the power, etc. That I may not use the power with which Christ has invested me for maintaining discipline in his church. The same form of expression is found in 2 Co 10:8. See Barnes |2 Co 10:8|.
{c} |sharpness according| Tit 1:13 {d} |to the power| 2 Co 10:8 {+} |to destruction| |for destruction| {++} |to edification| |for edification|