1 Now I, Paul, myself beseech you by the meekness and clemency of the Christ (who in presence am low among you, but being absent am bold toward you) 2 but I beseech you that I need not be bold when I am present with that confidence, with which I am esteemed to use against some who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God for the destruction of strong holds), 5 casting down reasonings and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and leading captive every thought into the obedience of the Christ 6 and having a readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If anyone trusts to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s. 8 For though I should glory somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed, 9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. 10 For his letters, they say, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 11 Let such a 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. 12 For we dare not mix ourselves in with or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves, but they do not understand that they are measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves.
13 But we will not glory of things beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the rule, of the measure which God has distributed to us, to reach even unto you. 14 For we do not overextend ourselves by reaching unto you; for we are also come unto you with the gospel of the Christ, 15 Not glorying of things beyond our measure in the labours of others; but having hope of the increase of your faith, that we shall be abundantly enlarged among you according to our rule, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, without entering into the measure {Gr. rule} of another to glory in that which has already been made ready. 17 But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For it is not he that commends himself that is approved, but whom the Lord commends.