So that Satan may not get the better of us: for we are not without knowledge of his designs.

Make room for me in your hearts. I have not wronged or harmed or got the better of anybody.

Such people had better understand that when I arrive and take action I will do just as I say I will in my letters when I am far away.

Are they servants of Christ?
I’m talking like a madman—I’m a better one:
with far more labors,
many more imprisonments,
far worse beatings, near death many times.

So to keep me from being too much elated a bitter physical affliction was sent to me, a very messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too much elated.

For what is there in which the other churches had the better of you, except in the fact that I would not permit myself to be a burden to you? You must forgive me that wrong!

But be that as it may, I did not burden you [with my support]. But [some say that] I was sly and took you by trickery.

For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may not find you to be what I desire, and that you may find me to be what you do not desire; that perhaps there may be contention, jealousy, bitter feeling, party spirit, ill-natured talk, backbiting, undue eulogy, unrest;