To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever any one 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 of no account.”
I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!
(What I am saying I say not with the Lord's authority but as a fool, in this boastful confidence;
I write this while I am away from you, in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority which 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;