1. And I, Sha’ul, myself appeal to you, through the meekness and gentleness of Messiah – I who am indeed lowly when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!
2. But I pray, that when I am present, I might not be bold with that bravery by which I think to be bold against some who reckon us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not fight according to the flesh.
4. For the weapons we fight with are not fleshly but mighty in Elohim for overthrowing strongholds,
5. overthrowing reasonings and every high matter that exalts itself against the knowledge of Elohim, taking captive every thought to make it obedient to the Messiah,
6. and being ready to punish all disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
7. Take a look at what you are facing. If anyone seems to trust in himself that he is of Messiah, let him reckon again for himself, that as he is of Messiah, so also are we.
8. For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Master gave us for building up, and not for overthrowing you, I shall not be put to shame,
9. lest I seem to frighten you away by letters.
10. Because they say, “His letters are truly weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech amounts to naught.”