Paul's Plea for Onesimus

⁸ Accordingly, ^(A)though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do ^(B)what is required,

^6 (A)Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, ^(B)though we could have made ^(C)demands as ^(D)apostles of Christ.

⁸ For even if I boast a little too much of ^(A)our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.

⁴ Let there be ^(A)no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, ^(B)which are out of place, but instead ^(C)let there be thanksgiving.

¹² Since we have such a hope, ^(A)we are very bold,

² But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated ^(A)at Philippi, as you know, ^(B)we had boldness in our God ^(C)to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much ^(D)conflict.

²¹ To my shame, I must say, ^(A)we were too weak for that!

But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that.

Paul Defends His Ministry

10 ^(A)I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the ^(B)meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— ² I beg of you ^(C)that when I am present I may not have to show ^(D)boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.