He didn't self promote or self praise!
“Now I Paul myself beseech you”, v. 1, has a peculiar emphasis, indicating that Paul is not only the grammatical subject of the verse, but the subject under discussion. The chapter is full of references to the accusations made against him, and forms part of the apostle’s vindication which continues into chapter 13. Some said he was “base”, fainthearted, when with them and “bold” when not, v. 1. They claimed he “walked according to the flesh”, vv. 2, 3, was prone to self-exaltation, v. 8, and used his letters to terrify them, v. 9. Some made fun of his undistinguished personal appearance, v. 10, and the lack of majesty in his manner. How does Paul address himself to the task of rebutting these accusations? Does he do it with justifiable indignation? No, he beseeches them by “the meekness and gentleness of Christ”. These qualities were of great price in his eyes, though not in theirs. He remembers the Lord Jesus. He remembers how far He was from violence and...