not like Moses, who used to wear a veil over his face, to keep the Israelites from gazing at the fading of the splendor from it.

I am not trying to recommend myself to you again. I am giving you cause to be proud of me, to use in answering men who pride themselves on external advantages and not on sincerity of heart.

for the weapons I use are not earthly ones, but divinely strong for destroying fortresses.

That is why I write this while I am away from you, so that when I come, I may not have to be harsh in my use of the authority the Lord has given me, for it was to build you up, not to pull you down.