1Now, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I, Paul, who am ‘timid’ in person (face-to-face), but ‘bold’ when I write from a distance, appeal to you: 2I beg you, that I will not need to be as bold when I am in your presence toward those that think that we walked according to the flesh (live by the standards of this world). 3For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war by the flesh (as the world does); 4For our weapons are not those of the world, but divinely powerful through God, able to demolish strongholds (destroy false arguments or doctrine), 5Destroying every prideful argument that opposes the knowledge of God, and taking captive every thought to bring it into obedience to Christ; 6And once you are fully obedient, ready and able to punish any remaining acts of disobedience.

7Do you judge things by their outward appearance? If anyone trusts in Christ, they should recognize that we belong to Christ, just as much as they do. 8For even though I may boast somewhat freely of our authority, which the Lord has given us for building you up, rather than tearing you down; I will not be ashamed of it; 9I am not trying to frighten you by my letters. 10For some say “his letters are weighty and forceful, but his personal appearance is unimpressive, as is his speech.” 11Those who say this should realize that as we are in the words of our letters in our absence, we will also be in our actions when we are present.

12For we do not dare to consider, or compare ourselves with some that regard themselves as important. For they who measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, are not wise. 13But we will not boast of things beyond of our sphere of ministry that God, Himself, has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. 14For we do not stretch ourselves beyond those boundaries; but were the first to reach and to preach the gospel of Christ to you; 15Not boasting of things outside of our sphere - that is, of the work of other men. But we hope that our sphere of ministry shall grow as your faith continues to grow, 16So that we may preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, but not to boast about work already done in someone else’s sphere of ministry. 17But let the one that glories (boasts), glory in the Lord. 18For when people commend themselves, it does not count for much. What does count is when the Lord commends someone.