Someone will say, "Paul's letters are severe and strong, but when he is with us in person, he is weak, and his words are nothing!"

Christ did not send me to baptize. He sent me to tell the Good News, and to tell it without using the language of human wisdom, in order to make sure that Christ's death on the cross is not robbed of its power.

For God in his wisdom made it impossible for people to know him by means of their own wisdom. Instead, by means of the so-called "foolish" message we preach, God decided to save those who believe.

When I came to you, my friends, to preach God's secret truth, I did not use big words and great learning.

So when I came to you, I was weak and trembled all over with fear,

and if you will read what I have written, you can learn about my understanding of the secret of Christ.)

Look on our Lord's patience as the opportunity he is giving you to be saved, just as our dear friend Paul wrote to you, using the wisdom that God gave him.

This is what he says in all his letters when he writes on the subject. There are some difficult things in his letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they do with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction.

We put aside all secret and shameful deeds; we do not act with deceit, nor do we falsify the word of God. In the full light of truth we live in God's sight and try to commend ourselves to everyone's good conscience.

We know what it means to fear the Lord, and so we try to persuade others. God knows us completely, and I hope that in your hearts you know me as well.

Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one; we have ruined no one, nor tried to take advantage of anyone.

The many miracles and wonders that prove that I am an apostle were performed among you with much patience.