2nd Corinthians 10

 

 

1 Now I, Paul, myself exhort you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in your presence is humble (when) among you, but when absent I am bold toward you:

2 But I entreat (to persuade) you, so that I may not (need to) be bold when I am present with that (same) confidence, with which I think to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk (living) in (mortal bodies of) flesh, we do not (engage in) war through our (perishable) flesh:

4 {For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (weak or perishable), but mighty through (Christ the wisdom and power of) God to the pulling down (and destruction) of strongholds;}

5 Casting down imaginations (reasonings and judgements), and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every (molesting or destructive) thought to the obedience of Christ (the wisdom of God);

6 And possessing within it a readiness to avenge (bringing justice to) all disobedience (which heard amiss), when the obedience (to hearken attentively to hear the wisdom contained in Christ) is fulfilled (bringing rest to your heart).

7 Are you looking at things after their outward appearance? If any man is persuaded within himself that he is Christ's, let him consider again in himself that, just as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

8 For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord has given us for (your) edification, and not for your destruction, I would not be ashamed:

9 (I say this in order) that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

10 For they say his letters are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech (treated with) contempt.

11 Let such a one think this, that, just as we are in our words through our letters when we are absent (from you), will we also be in deed when we are present (with you).

12 For we do not judge ourselves to be among those or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but these by measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are lacking understanding. 

13 But we will not boast of things beyond measure, but according to the measure of (Christ) the rule which God has distributed to us, a measure to reach even to you.

14 For we do not stretch ourselves beyond our measure, as if we did not reach to you: for we came as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:

15 Not boasting about things beyond our measure, involving (ourselves in) other men’s labor; but having hope, that when your faith has increased, that our ministry shall be enlarged by you according to (Christ) our rule abundantly,

16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of influence.

17 But let him that boasts, let him boast in (Christ) the Lord.

18 For it is not the one who (boasts in and) commends himself that is approved, but whom the Lord commends.