3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves^(A) again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation^(B) to you or from you?

Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians

¹¹ I have made a fool of myself,^(A) but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,”^[a](B) even though I am nothing.^(C)

¹² We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.^(A) When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

¹² We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again,^(A) but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us,^(B) so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.

²⁷ When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia,^(A) the brothers and sisters^(B) encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.

³ Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve^(A) and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.

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)

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.

¹⁷ Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.^(A) On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity,^(B) as those sent from God.^(C)

³³ even as I try to please everyone in every way.^(A) For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many,^(B) so that they may be saved.^(C)