I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit, whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;