for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.

For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame,

But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.

so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another.

But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord.

Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little.

Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also.

If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.

On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.

For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.