Paul’s Integrity

For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.

For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.

Paul’s Apostolic Ministry

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart,

since in fact after putting it on, we will not be found naked.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

I am not saying this as a command, but as proving, through the earnestness of others, the sincerity of your love as well.

for I know your willingness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge?

Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also.

Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?

I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, since I was in no respect inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody.

I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and indecent behavior which they have practiced.

I have previously said when I was present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone,

since you are seeking proof of the Christ who speaks in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.