Paul’s Apostolic Authority

10 Now I, Paul, myself, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent. ² I beg you that when I am present I will not need to be bold with the confidence by which I plan to challenge certain people who think we are living according to the flesh.^{(A) 3} For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, ⁴ since the weapons of our warfare^(B) are not of the flesh, but are powerful^(C) through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments ⁵ and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge^(D) of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. ⁶ And we are ready to punish any disobedience, once your obedience is complete.