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¹ NOW I, Paul, beseech you by the gentleness and meekness of Christ, even though I am humble when present among you, I have the assurance when I am far away,² I beseech you, that when I arrive, not to be troubled by the things which I hope to carry out, for it is my purpose to put to scorn those men who regard us as if we lived after the flesh.³ For though we do live an earthly life, yet we do not serve worldly things.⁴ For the weapons which we use are not earthly weapons, but of the might of God by which we conquer rebellious strongholds;⁵ Casting down imaginations, and every false thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and to capture every thought to the obedience of Christ;⁶ And we are prepared to seek vengeance on those who are disobedient, when your obedience is fulfilled.

⁷ Do you judge by outward appearance? If any man thinks of himself that he belongs to Christ, let him know this of himself, that just as he belongs to Christ, so we also belong.⁸ For if I should boast somewhat more of the authority which our LORD has given me, I should not be ashamed, for he has given it to us for your edification, and not for your destruction.⁹ But I am hesitant, lest I seem as if I were trying to frighten you with my letter.¹⁰ For there are men who say that his epistles are weighty and powerful; but his bodily appearance is weak, and his speech foolish.¹¹ But let him who supposes so consider this, that, just as we express ourselves in our epistles when we are away, so are we also in deed when we are present.

¹² For we dare not count or compare ourselves with those who are proud of themselves; for it is because they measure themselves by themselves that they do not understand.¹³ We do not boast beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God has distributed to us, a measure to reach even to you.¹⁴ It is not because we are unable to climb where you are; nor are trying to misrepresent ourselves; for we have climbed where we are through the gospel of Christ:¹⁵ And we do not boast of things beyond our measure; that is, by other men''s labor, but we have the hope, that when your faith grows, our pride shall be justified according to our measure.¹⁶ And we shall become strengthened so that we may preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not boast of the things already done by others.¹⁷ But he who boasts, let him glory in the LORD.¹⁸ For it is not the one who praises himself who is approved, but the one whom the LORD commends.