1 Corinthians 9:3
This is my defense to those who would put me on trial and interrogate me [concerning my authority as an apostle]:
Acts 22:1
“Brethren and fathers (kinsmen), hear my defense which I now offer to you.”
Acts 25:16
I told them that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man [for punishment] before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has the opportunity to defend himself against the charges.
1 Corinthians 14:37
If anyone thinks and claims that he is a prophet [a true spokesman for God] or spiritually astute [filled with and energized by the Holy Spirit], let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment.
2 Corinthians 10:7-8
You are looking [only] at the outward appearance of things. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, he should reflect and consider this, that just as he is Christ’s, so too are we.
2 Corinthians 12:16-19
But be that as it may, I did not burden you [with my support]. But [some say that] I was sly and took you by trickery.
2 Corinthians 13:3
since you seek [forensic] proof that Christ is speaking in and through me. He is not weak or ineffective in dealing with you, but powerful within you.
2 Corinthians 13:5
Test and evaluate yourselves to see whether you are in the faith and living your lives as [committed] believers. Examine yourselves [not me]! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves [by an ongoing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test and are rejected as counterfeit?
2 Corinthians 13:10
For this reason I am writing these things while absent from you, so that when I come, I will not need to deal severely [with you], in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me [to be used] for building you up and not for tearing you down.
Philippians 1:7
It is right for me to feel this way about you, because [you have me in your heart as] I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the good news [regarding salvation], all of you share in [His matchless] grace with me.
Philippians 1:17
but the former preach Christ [insincerely] out of selfish ambition [just self-promotion], thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment.
2 Timothy 4:16
At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God].