To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that.
For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”
I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!
What I am saying in regard to this boastful confidence, I am saying not with the Lord's authority, but as a fool;
So I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come, I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true;