That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
2 Corinthians 10:9
King James Version (public domain)
Traditionally attributed to Paul · 1st century AD · Thirteen epistles of the New Testament are traditionally attributed to him
Context
7Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.
8For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
9That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
10For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
11Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.