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Paul now speaks with boldness, though he comes in humility and gentleness, just as Christ himself would. Some say he is timid in person but bold in his letters, yet Paul warns that when he comes, he will not hesitate to be just as firm. Though he lives in this world, he does not fight as the world does. The weapons he uses are not of this world—they have divine power to destroy strongholds. He breaks down arguments and every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God, capturing rebellious thoughts and teaching them to obey Christ.

Paul refuses to compare himself with those who measure themselves by their own standards. Instead, he stays within the boundaries God has given him, boasting only in what the Lord has done. His goal is not to take credit for someone else’s work, but to see the Good News spread even further. “If you want to boast,” he says, “boast only about the Lord.” For it is not those who praise themselves who are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.

Then Paul speaks with deep concern, almost like a father protecting his children. He fears that the Corinthians are being led astray, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning. They are listening to those who preach a different Jesus, a different spirit, and a different Good News. Paul may not be a polished speaker, but he is not lacking in knowledge, and he has made this clear in everything he has done among them.

He reminds them that he preached the Good News to them free of charge, refusing support so that no one could accuse him of preaching for personal gain. In doing so, he set himself apart from those he calls false apostles—deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But this is no surprise, Paul says, since even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.

Reluctantly, Paul begins to speak as others do—boasting—not because he desires to, but to expose the emptiness of those who exalt themselves. If others boast about their credentials, Paul says he has even more reason. He lists his sufferings: far greater labors, countless beatings, repeated imprisonments, and many brushes with death. Five times he received thirty-nine lashes from the Jews. Three times he was beaten with rods. Once he was stoned. Three times he was shipwrecked. He faced dangers from rivers, robbers, his own people, and from Gentiles—dangers in cities, in deserts, on the seas, and even among false believers.

He has known hunger, thirst, sleepless nights, cold, and exposure. Beyond all this is his daily burden—his deep concern for all the churches. And yet, in all of it, Paul does not boast in strength, but in weakness. For it is in his weakness that the power of Christ is most clearly seen.

Through it all, Paul’s message is clear: true authority does not come from appearance, eloquence, or self-promotion, but from a life surrendered to Christ, marked by truth, endurance, and unwavering devotion.

Verse of the Day: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Action of the Day:

Name 10 things you are grateful for right now.