Study Desk

And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you.

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,

Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

"For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us--a sphere which especially includes you.

not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,

But "he who glories, let him glory in the Lord." Jeremiah 9:24">[fn]

For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity [fn] that is in Christ.

Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested [fn] among you in all things.

But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.

What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold--I speak foolishly--I am bold also.

but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.

For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.