Study Desk

and not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our readiness,

for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of other people.

We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you.

But I have sent the brothers, in order that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you will be prepared;

For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.

Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!

for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible."

For we do not presume to rank or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they have no understanding.

But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the domain which God assigned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.

not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other people's labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our domain, enlarged even more by you,

But THE ONE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.

For it is not the one who commends himself that is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me.

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge; in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things.

But what I am doing I will also continue to do, so that I may eliminate the opportunity from those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting.

Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little.

What I am saying, I am not saying as the Lord would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.

To my shame I must say that we have been weak by comparison. But in whatever respect anyone else is bold—I am speaking in foolishness—I too am bold.