For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed;

I say again, let no one think me to be foolish. Otherwise if not, at least receive me as being foolish, that I also may boast a little.

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believe, as the Lord gave to each one?

For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.

But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.

And if it is not so, who will prove me a liar, and make my speech worth nothing?

I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit,

And so that I should not be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan that he might buffet me, that I should not be made haughty.

so that I may not seem to frighten you by letters.

For his letters, they say, are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.