That’s why I’m writing these things now, while I’m away. Then when I do come, I won’t have to use my authority and be hard on you. The Lord gave me that authority to build you up, not to tear you down.
That’s why I’m suffering the way I am. But I’m not ashamed, because I know the one I’ve believed in and I’m certain that he’s able to protect what I’ve given him. I can trust him with it until the day he returns.
From Paul, an apostle, and from all the brothers and sisters who are with me. I have not been sent by any human group or leader. I’ve been sent by Jesus Christ and by God the Father, who raised him from the dead. To the churches in Galatia.
Even if I did decide to brag, that wouldn’t make me a fool, because I’d be telling the truth. But I don’t brag, so that no one will think more of me than they should based on what I say and do.
I had bragged about you to him, and you haven’t let me down. Everything we said to you was true, and in the same way, everything we told Titus about you has also turned out to be true.
All this time, have you been thinking that I’ve been speaking up for myself? No, I’ve been speaking with God as my witness, as a believer in Christ. Dear friends, everything I do is to help you become stronger.