¹⁹ Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God^(A) as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends,^(B) is for your strengthening.^(C)

Paul’s Anguish Over Israel

9 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying,^(A) my conscience confirms^(B) it through the Holy Spirit—

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.

Good Order in Worship

²⁶ What then shall we say, brothers and sisters?^(A) When you come together, each of you^(B) has a hymn,^(C) or a word of instruction,^(D) a revelation, a tongue^(E) or an interpretation.^(F) Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.^(G)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,^(A) my joy and crown, stand firm^(B) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

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)

¹⁵ So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.^(A) If I love you more,^(B) will you love me less?

³¹ The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever,^(A) knows^(B) that I am not lying.

¹⁰ As surely as the truth of Christ is in me,^(A) nobody in the regions of Achaia^(B) will stop this boasting^(C) of mine.