⁸ So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us^(A) for building you up rather than tearing you down,^(B) I will not be ashamed of it.

¹⁰ This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh^(A) in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.^(B)

¹² That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,^(A) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard^(B) what I have entrusted to him until that day.^(C)

1 Paul, an apostle^(A)—sent not from men nor by a man,^(B) but by Jesus Christ^(C) and God the Father,^(D) who raised him from the dead^(E)—

² I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent:^(A) On my return I will not spare^(B) those who sinned earlier^(C) or any of the others, ³ since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me.^(D) He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.

⁶ Even if I should choose to boast,^(A) I would not be a fool,^(B) because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say,

²⁴ Not that we lord it over^(A) your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.^(B)

⁸ For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

¹⁴ I had boasted to him about you,^(A) and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus^(B) has proved to be true as well.