The Spiritual War

1Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

2But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

4For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

5casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

6and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Reality of Paul’s Authority

7Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s.

8For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed—

9lest I seem to terrify you by letters.

10“For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.”

11Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

Limits of Paul’s Authority

12For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

13We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.

14For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;

15not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere,

16to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.

17But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

18For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

The Whole Armor of God

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

18praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—