Paul’s Rights as an Apostle

9 Am I not free?^(A) Am I not an apostle?^(B) Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?^(C) Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?^(D)

² Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal^(A) of my apostleship in the Lord.

Paul’s Defense of His Ministry

10 By the humility and gentleness^(A) of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul,^(B) who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!

⁷ You are judging by appearances.^[a](A) If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ,^(B) they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do.^(C)

⁸ So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us^(A) for building you up rather than tearing you down,^(B) I will not be ashamed of it.