For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to boast on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which boast in appearance, and not in heart.
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is the Messiah's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is the Messiah's, even so are we the Messiah's.
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Master hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
I am become a fool in boasting; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.