What did Paul's listeners think of his speech and appearance?
Paul's hearers regarded his speech as contemptible and his physical appearance as almost repulsive; he had nothing in the flesh to boast about. He wanted to be remembered that way, and God allowed a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble rather than exalted.
Les explains that Paul's listeners said his speech was contemptible and his appearance was almost repulsive. Paul always put himself down, and he knew he had nothing to brag about in the flesh. He refers to this when he says he forbears lest any man should think of him above what he sees or hears. Les connects this to verse 7, where Paul says a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan, was given to him to buffet him, lest he be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelations. God puts human suffering on Paul's body to keep him humble.
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How did Paul's critics describe his speech and appearance?
Paul's hearers said his speech was contemptible and his appearance was almost repulsive.