So deadly was the peril from which he saved me, as he will save me again! It is on him that I have set my hope that he will save me again.

as some of you have come to understand me, and that you will understand that you have a right to be proud of me, as I have of you, on the Day of our Lord Jesus.

But as for me, as my soul shall answer for it, I appeal to God as my witness, that it was to spare you pain that I gave up my visit to Corinth.

Now if any one has caused sorrow, it has been caused not so much to me, as in some degree--for I have no wish to exaggerate--to all of you.

But thank God! he always leads me in his triumphal train, through Christ, and spreads the perfume of knowledge of him everywhere through me as his censer-bearer.

He has qualified even me as a minister of the new covenant, which is not a written but a spiritual covenant. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

So I am an envoy for Christ, God appealing by me, as it were ??be reconciled to God, I entreat you on behalf of Christ.

I promise you like reward with me, as to my children.

Receive me as one who has wronged no man, who has corrupted no man, who has defrauded no man.

when I am present, which I think to exercise against some, who censure me, as if I was actuated by worldly views.

I could wish ye would bear with me as to some little foolishness, - Nay! do even bear with me!

I repeat: No one should consider me a fool. But if you do, at least accept me as a fool, so I too may boast a little.

I speak with reference to the reproach [cast on me], as though we were feeble; but wherein any man is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.

For if I desire to boast, I shall not be foolish. For I will speak the truth. But I spare, lest anyone should think of me as being beyond what he sees me, or hears of me;

But, so that I would not become too conceited over the tremendous revelations [I received], a "thorn in the flesh" was given to me as a messenger from Satan to torment me. [Note: This "thorn" was probably some physical handicap, possibly defective eyesight. See Gal. 4:14-15; 6:11].

lest my God should humble me as to you when I come again, and that I shall grieve over many of those who have sinned before, and have not repented as to the uncleanness and fornication and licentiousness which they have practised.