2 Corinthians 10:1-11 ▼

1 Now I, Paul, myself entreat you, through the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in your presence, indeed, am lowly among you; but, being absent, am bold toward you;

2 but I pray that, when present, I may not show courage with the confidence with which I purpose to be bold against some who reckon us as walking according to the flesh.

3 For, though walking in flesh, we are not warring according to the flesh,

4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but mighty through God for the casting down of strongholds);

5 casting down reasonings, and every high thing lifting itself up against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

6 and holding ourselves in readiness to avenge every disobedience, when your obedience is made complete.

7 Ye look at things according to appearance. If anyone has trusted to himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again with himself, that, as he is Christ's, so also are we.

8 For, even if I glory somewhat more abundantly concerning our authority—which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for tearing you down—I shall not be put to shame;

9 that I may not seem as if I would terrify you with letters;

10 because, " His letters, indeed," says one, " are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."

11 Let such a one consider this: that such as we are in word through letters, when absent; such also are we in deed, when present.