2 Corinthians 10:7–11:4
7 kDo you look at things according to the outward appearance? lIf 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 2so mwe are Christ’s. 8 For even if I should boast somewhat more nabout our authority, which the Lord gave 3us for 4edification and not for your destruction, oI shall not be ashamed—9 lest I seem to terrify you by letters. 10 “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but phis bodily presence is weak, and his qspeech 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.
12 rFor 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 sWe, 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), tfor it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, uin 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 v“he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For wnot he who commends himself is approved, but xwhom the Lord commends.
Concern for Their Faithfulness
11 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little afolly—and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am bjealous for you with godly jealousy. For cI have betrothed you to one husband, dthat I may present you eas a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as fthe serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds gmay be corrupted from the 1simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a hdifferent gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!