For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

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

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.