in one an odor of death to death, and in the other an odor of life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us purify ourselves from every defilement of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

It is not expedient therefore for me to boast [of these things]; for I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Do you again think that we are defending ourselves? We speak in Christ before God; all these things, beloved, are for your edification.

For this reason, being absent, I write these things, that I may not use sharpness when present, with the power which the Lord has given me for building up, and not for pulling down.