³ My defense to those who examine me is this.

¹ "Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make to you."

¹⁷ but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Gospel.

⁷ It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.

¹⁰ For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.

⁵ Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don't you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified.

³ seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you.

¹⁶ But be it so, I did not myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception.

¹⁷ Did I take advantage of you by anyone of them whom I have sent to you?

¹⁸ I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn't we walk in the same spirit? Didn't we walk in the same steps?

¹⁹ Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

⁷ Do you look at things only as they appear in front of your face? If anyone trusts in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again with himself, that, even as he is Christ's, so also we are Christ's.

⁸ For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed,

³⁷ If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord.

¹⁶ To whom I answered that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man to destruction, before the accused has met the accusers face to face, and has had opportunity to make his defense concerning the matter laid against him.

¹⁶ At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.