Paul Defends His Ministry

10 I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you but bold toward you when I am away!^(A)— ² I ask that when I am present I need not show boldness by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards.^{[a](B) 3} Indeed, we live as humans^[b] but do not wage war according to human standards,^{[c] 4} for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human,^[d] but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments^{(C) 5} and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.^{(D) 6} We are ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is complete.^(E)