It will be noted that the words “I beg you” are found at the end of verse 1 in an older version of Good News Bible as part of its restructuring of that verse. The meaning is essentially the same as I … entreat you at the beginning of verse 1, even though the verb is different here. The structure used in the receptor language translation may require that only one verb be used, not two verbs.
When I am present should not be understood as a timeless statement meaning “anytime that I am present with you.” Paul is referring specifically to his next visit to Corinth, whenever that may be. Accordingly Good News Translation says “when I come” (also Revised English Bible, Nueva Biblia Española). Some languages require that the translation indicate that this is not Paul’s first visit to Corinth; for example, it may be rendered “when I come again” (see also 10.11). Or other languages may prefer to say “the next time I am present with you” or “the next time we meet.”
Show boldness with such confidence …: the verb show boldness (used also in 5.6, 8; 7.16; 10.1) and the noun confidence (found in 1.15; 3.4; 8.22) reinforce each other, and together they constitute a very strong statement. While the two may have to be translated as a single verb in some languages, translators should look for a very emphatic way of saying “to be very firm” or “to be severe [or strict, or harsh].”
I count on showing: even though he does not wish it, Paul indicates by these words that he feels it will be necessary to show that he is strong when he faces his accusers. Note that the verb translated count on is the same in Greek as the one translated suspect in the following clause. New Century Version says “I plan to be very strict….” In some languages it may be better to say “I have decided I will have to show” or “I know that I will have to demonstrate.”
Suspect: the word so translated in Revised Standard Version actually means “reason” or “reckon.” The verb is actually the same as the one translated “count on.” New Jerusalem Bible shows the relationship by translating the two verbs with the same English word, “reckon.” It says “… as I reckon to use when I am challenging those who reckon that we are guided by human motives.” In this case Anchor Bible says “who reason that we are conducting ourselves according to worldly standards,” while Revised English Bible has “those who assume my behavior to be dictated by human weakness.” But the context makes it clear that what was involved in this case was not a mere suspicion that Paul’s enemies kept to themselves, but that they were telling others about it. For this reason, it is at least possible to translate “say” (Good News Translation) rather than “think” (New Revised Standard Version, New International Version).
Acting in a worldly fashion: literally “walking according to the flesh.” The use of the verb “walk” reflects a common Hebrew idiom referring to a person’s “behavior” or “conduct” (see comments at 4.2 on “practice”). The word “flesh” is often used in Scripture for “human nature.” In this context the idea is one of “behaving in a manner that is controlled by natural human desires.” In Rom 8.4 the same expression contrasts with “walking according to the Spirit.” Some possible models here are “living for the things of this world” (Good News for the World), “act like the people of this world” (Contemporary English Version) or “our activities are on a purely human level” (Phillips).
The logical connections between the various parts of verses 1 and 2 may be difficult, but translators should make every effort to make them clear to readers and hearers. The following is a possible model showing these relationships:
• I, Paul myself, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ to listen to me. I am making this request because some people accuse us of doing things just to please ourselves. They say we are weak when we are with you, but very bold when we are far away [from you]. But this is my appeal to you: I beg you not to force me to be bold when I come to visit you. However, I am sure that I can be bold with those who accuse me.
Another possible model is that of Contemporary English Version:
• Do you think I am a coward when I am with you and brave when I am far away? Well, I ask you to listen, because Christ himself was humble and gentle. Some people have said that we act like people of this world. So when I arrive, I expect I will have to be firm and forceful in what I say to them. Please don’t make me treat you that way.
Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellingworth, Paul. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .