So far the focus has been on teaching and encouraging the Corinthians, with a somewhat oblique references to the methods and mindset of the false teachers. Now Paul deals much more directly with the attacks on him.
One of the accusations was that he was "strong" in his letters, but timid in person. However, while defending himself Paul continues to use godly weapons, rather than worldly methods. He appeals first with the "meekness and gentleness" of Christ. The world encourages us to become brutal and overbearing. These are not Christian virtues. Paul will be firm, but his goal is always to build up and restore, not to destroy. It is easy to destroy people, but difficult to save them. That is why Jesus went to the cross. We can often wonder why God doesn't "do something" about all the problems in the world. It would be very easy for God to destroy all the evil, He could do this with one word from His mouth. But it is very difficult to save people, and God's overriding aim is to save as many as possible. So it is with Paul.
Paul could have been bold with the Corinthians, and would indeed be so if necessary, but before doing that he would do all he could to restore people. We do not live by the world's standards and do not fight with their methods.
So Paul is seeking to destroy and capture the pretensions and ideas of the false teachers. He is looking for a victory, and is confident that the weapons we have the power to do this. So we need to be on our guard. We need to know what the objective is, and not give in to the taunts of the enemy, who will try to get us to fight with the same weapons that he uses. Instead we need to remain firm and steadfast. Then we will destroy the enemies strongholds.
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