1. But I myself, Paul, am begging you, through the meekness and modesty of Christ. I am certainly, by appearances, lowly among you, yet I have confidence in you, even while I am absent.
2. So I am petitioning you, lest I be bold, when present, with that bold confidence that I am considered to have by certain ones who judge us as if we were walking according to the flesh.
3. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not battle according to the flesh.
4. For the weapons of our battles are not carnal, yet still they are powerful with God, unto the destruction of fortifications: tearing down every counsel
5. and height that extols itself contrary to the wisdom of God, and leading every intellect into the captivity of obedience to Christ,
6. and standing ready to repudiate every disobedience, when your own obedience has been fulfilled.
7. Consider the things that are in accord with appearances. If anyone trusts that by these things he belongs to Christ, let him reconsider this within himself. For just as he belongs to Christ, so also do we.
8. And if I were even to glory somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord has given to us for your edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed.
9. But let it not be said that I am scaring you by means of epistles.
10. For they say: "His epistles, indeed, are weighty and strong. But his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is contemptible."