But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the transcendent excellence of the power might be of God, and not of us.

by the word of truth, by the power of God, with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left,

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

For behold this very thing, that ye were made sorry after a godly manner, how great diligence did it produce in you! yea, what apologizing! yea, what indignation! yea, what fear! yea, what earnest desire! yea, what zeal! yea, what vengeance! In every step ye have approved yourselves as pure in this affair.

For unto their power, I bear them witness, and above their power, they were voluntarily ready [to give]:

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor though he was rich, that ye by his poverty should be made rich.

as it is written, "He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor, his righteousness abideth for ever."

But I pray, that when I am present I may not be bold with the confidence with which I purpose to act resolutely against some who think of us, as if we walked after the flesh.

I WISH ye would bear with me a little in my foolishness, yea indeed bear with me.

For if he indeed that cometh preach another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not embraced, ye might well bear with him.

For ye bear with fools easily when you are wise yourselves.

For ye bear if a man enslave you, if a man eat you up, if a man receive from you, if a man is insolent, if a man smite you on the face.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may fix its residence in me.

For though he was crucified in weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God: for we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God [displayed] towards you.

Now I pray unto God that ye do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you may do that which is laudable, though we should be as reprobates.

For we rejoice when we are weak, but ye are strong: and this also we pray for, even your perfect establishment.

For this cause, though absent, I have written these things, that when I am present I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.