For we are not, like so many, peddling the word of God; but as men of sincerity, as from God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

You yourselves are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men.

But we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; but what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.

For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have.

For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;

for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Therefore openly before the churches, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.

We do not go beyond limits by boasting in other men's labors, but our hope is that as your faith grows, our sphere among you may be greatly enlarged,

so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast of work already done in another man's territory.

As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.

was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, which a man is not permitted to tell.

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