Paul’s Change of Plans

¹² Now this is our boast: Our conscience^(A) testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity^[a](B) and godly sincerity.^(C) We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom^(D) but on God’s grace.

⁴ My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words,^(A) but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,^(B)

¹⁰ But by the grace^(A) of God I am what I am, and his grace to me^(B) was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them^(C)—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.^(D)

² Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;^(A) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.^(B) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience^(C) in the sight of God.

² I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold^(A) as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.^{(B) 3} For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.^{(C) 4} The weapons we fight with^(D) are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power^(E) to demolish strongholds.^(F)

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(A) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(B) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(C) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^{(D) 18} Peacemakers^(E) who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.^(F)