By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" toward you when away! – 2 Corinthians 10:1

Today's Scripture Reading (March 26, 2021): 2 Corinthians 10

In 1892, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published his book, "The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes." The book contained twelve short stories, including "The Adventure of Silver Blaze." In the story, a racehorse named Silver blaze is stolen, and the great detective is tasked with finding out who stole the horse. The plot turns on a dog who doesn't bark. Holmes realizes that on the night in question, no witnesses mentioned the barking of the guard dog. Yet, the dog must have barked; he was trained to do precisely that. So, why had no one had mentioned it?

The most obvious answer is that no one mentioned the dog's barking because the dog had not barked. But why. The only possible explanation was that the dog knew the thief. Whoever it was that stole Silver Blaze was not a stranger. Therefore, everyone who was a stranger could be eliminated from the list of suspects.

One of the complaints that the Corinthians had about Paul was that he was "timid" when they met face to face but "bold" when he was far away. Apparently, Paul's letters were more strongly worded than the words he chose to use when he was in their presence. It wasn't the case of the dog who didn't bark, but rather the dog who barked only at a distance.

There is a definite change in tone at this point in Paul's letter. Some have argued that maybe this was a different letter or a postscript added to Paul's letter. Neither of those options is likely, but the change in tone is genuine. Nineteenth-century theologian, Adam Clarke, describes it this way

Having now finished his directions and advices relative to the collection for the poor, he resumes his argument relative to the false apostle, who had gained considerable influence by representing St. Paul as despicable in his person, his ministry, and his influence … He seems to quote these as the words of his calumniator, as if he had said; "This apostle of yours is a mere braggadocio; when he is among you, you know how base and contemptible he is; when absent, see how he brags and boasts" (Adam Clarke).

There is no doubt that Paul is about to get rough with the Corinthians, although he stresses that he makes his appeal with the humility and gentleness of Christ. So, Paul produces his warning; the dog is about to bark.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 11