Reality of Paul’s Authority

^7 (A)Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? ^(B)If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even ^[a]so ^(C)we are Christ’s. ⁸ For even if I should boast somewhat more ^(D)about our authority, which the Lord gave ^[b]us for ^[c]edification and not for your destruction, ^(E)I shall not be ashamed— ⁹ lest I seem to terrify you by letters. ¹⁰ “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but ^(F)his bodily presence is weak, and his ^(G)speech contemptible.” ¹¹ Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

Limits of Paul’s Authority

^12 (H)For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. ^13 (I)We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. ¹⁴ For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), ^(J)for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; ¹⁵ not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, ^(K)in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, ¹⁶ to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.

¹⁷ But ^(L)“he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” ¹⁸ For ^(M)not he who commends himself is approved, but ^(N)whom the Lord commends.