'Saying' in the Bible

I am not saying this by way of command, but to test by the standard of other men's earnestness the genuineness of your love also.

To return to what I was saying. Let no one suppose that I am foolish. Or if you must, at any rate make allowance for me as being foolish, in order that I, as well as they, may boast a little.

What I am now saying, I do not say by the Lord's command, but as a fool in his folly might, in this reckless boasting.