let him consider again and reflect that just as he belongs
to Christ, so also do we.
010:008 If, however, I were to boast more loudly of our Apostolic authority,
which the Lord has given us that we may build you up,
not pull you down, I should have no reason to feel ashamed.
010:009 Let it not seem as if I wanted to frighten you by my letters.
010:010 For they say "His letters are authoritative and forcible,
but his personal presence is unimpressive, and as for eloquence,
he has none."
010:011 Let such people take this into their reckoning, that whatever
we are in word by our letters when absent, the same are we
also in act when present.
010:012 For we have not the `courage' to rank ourselves among,
or compare ourselves with, certain persons distinguished
by their self-commendation. Yet they are not wise,
measuring themselves, as they do, by one another and comparing
themselves with one another.
010:013 We, however, will not exceed due limits in our boasting,
but will keep within the limits of the sphere which God has
assigned to us as a limit, which reaches even to you.
010:014 For there is no undue stretch of authority on our part,
as though it did not extend to you. We pressed on even
to Corinth, and were the first to proclaim to you the Good News
of the Christ.
010:015 We do not exceed our due limits, and take credit for
other men's labours; but we entertain the hope that,
as your faith grows, we shall gain promotion among you--
still keeping within our own sphere--promotion to a larger
field of labour,
010:016 and shall tell the Good News in the districts beyond you,