For even if I boasted somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I would not be ashamed:
For even if I desired to glory, I would not be a fool; for I would say the truth: but now I refrain, so that no one will think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me.
Therefore I write these things being absent, so that being present I need not use severity, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification, and not for destruction.
For if I have boasted anything to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found to be truth.
For which reason I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him until that day.