I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet whereinsoever any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.
For, His letters, they say, are weighty and strong; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.
Would that ye could bear with me in a little foolishness: nay indeed bear with me.
That which I speak, I speak not after the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of glorying.
For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
by glory and dishonour, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;