Study Desk

I am ashamed to admit it, but we have been too weak for that. Whatever anyone else dares to claim - I am talking like a fool - I can claim it, too.2 Corinthians 10:10; Philippians 3:4;">[xr]

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I.Acts 22:3; Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5;">[xr]

Are they Christ's servants? I am insane to talk like this, but I am a far better one! I have been involved in far greater efforts, far more imprisonments, countless beatings, and have faced death more than once.Acts 9:16; 20:23; 21:11; 1 Corinthians 15:10,30-32; 2 Corinthians 1:9-10; 4:11;">[xr]

If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show how weak I am.2 Corinthians 12:5,9-10;">[xr]

The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.Romans 1:9; 2 Corinthians 1:23; Galatians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:5;">[xr]

However, if I did want to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I am not going to do it in order to keep anyone from thinking more of me than what he sees and hears about me.2 Corinthians 10:8; 11:16;">[xr]

That is why I take such pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.Romans 5:3; 2 Corinthians 7:4; 13:4;">[xr]

I have become a fool. You forced me to be one. Really, I should have been commended by you, for I am not in any way inferior to your "super-apostles," even if I am nothing.1 Corinthians 3:7; 15:8-9; 2 Corinthians 11:1,5, 16-17; Galatians 2:6-8; Ephesians 3:8;">[xr]

Here I am ready to visit you for a third time, and I will not bother you for help. I do not want your things but you. Children should not have to supportto save up for">[fn] their parents, but parents their children.Acts 20:33; 1 Corinthians 4:14-15; 10:33; 2 Corinthians 13:1;">[xr]

I am afraid that I may come and somehow find you not as I want to find you, and that you may find me not as you want to find me. Perhaps there will be quarreling, jealousy, angry feelings, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly conduct.1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 10:2;">[xr]

I am afraid that when I come my God may again humble me before you and that I may have to grieve over many who formerly lived in sin and have not repented of their impurity, sexual immorality, and promiscuity that they once practiced.1 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Corinthians 2:1,4; 13:2;">[xr]

This will be the third time I am coming to you. "Every accusation must be verified by two or three witnesses."Deuteronomy 19:15">[fn]Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; Matthew 18:16; John 8:17; 2 Corinthians 12:14; Hebrews 10:28;">[xr]

I have already warned those who sinned previously and all the rest. Although I am absent now, I am warning them as I did on my second visit: If I come back, I will not spare you,2 Corinthians 1:23; 10:2; 12:21;">[xr]

For this reason I am writing this while I am away from you: When I come I do not want to be severe in using the authority the Lord gave me to build you up and not to tear you down.1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 2:3; 12:20-21; Titus 1:13;">[xr]

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ to followfor">[fn] a different gospel,Galatians 5:8;">[xr]

What we have told you in the past I am now telling you again: If anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that person be condemned!Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18;">[xr]

Am I now trying to win the approval of people or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's servant.slave">[fn]1 Samuel 24:7; Matthew 28:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; James 4:4; 1 John 3:9;">[xr]

(I declareI declare">[fn] before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie.)Romans 9:1;">[xr]

For if I rebuild something that I tore down, I demonstrate that I am a wrongdoer.

Brothers, let me use an example from everyday life.I am speaking according to man">[fn] Once a person's will has been ratified, no one can cancel it or add conditions to it.Hebrews 9:17;">[xr]