Paul’s Apostolic Authority

1Now I Paul myself exhort you, by the meekness and lenity of Christ, who in presence am lowly among you, 2but being absent am bold towards you, yea I intreat you, that I may not be bold, when I am present, with that confidence, wherewith I think to proceed against some, who censure us as walking after the flesh. 3For though we are in the flesh, we do not carry on our war according to the flesh: 4(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the demolishing of bulwarks:) 5destroying false reasonings, and every height that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and captivating every thought to the obedience of Christ. 6And being prepared to avenge all disobedience, since your obedience is fulfilled.

7Do ye look at things according to the outward appearance? If any one is confident in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again of himself, that as he is Christ's, so we also are Christ's. 8For though I should boast yet more of our authority, (which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction) I should not be ashamed: 9that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters; 10for his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 11But let such a one know this, that as we are in word by letters, when absent, such also shall we be in fact when present.

12For we presume not to number, or compare ourselves with some who recommend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are void of understanding. 13But we will not glory of things beyond our bounds, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath given to us, a measure to come even unto you. 14For we do not stretch ourselves beyond measure, as though we were not commissioned to come unto you; for we have reached even to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ. 15Not boasting of things beyond our limits in other men's labors; but having hope that, when your faith is increased, we shall be abundantly enlarged by you according to our line, 16to preach the gospel in places beyond you; and not to boast in another's province of things ready prepared for us. 17But let him, that glorieth, glory in the Lord. 18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but he whom the Lord commendeth.