For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about our affliction that happened to us in Asia, because we were extraordinarily weighed down, above strength, so as for us to despair even to be alive.

But if any man has caused sadness, he has not caused me sadness, but in part (that I may not bear down) you all.

persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed.

casting down imaginations, and every high thing exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought captive into the obedience of the Christ,

For even if I also should boast somewhat more abundantly about our authority (which the Lord gave us for building up, and not for tearing you down), I will not be shamed,

Thrice I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, thrice I was shipwrecked, I have done a night and a day in the depth,

Because of this I write these things while absent, so that I may not act harshly when present, according to the authority that the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.