2 Corinthians 5:12

5:12 We are not trying to commend ¹  ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, ²  so that you may be able to answer those who take pride ³  in outward appearance ⁴  and not in what is in the heart.

2 Corinthians 10:8

10:8 For if I boast somewhat more about our authority that the Lord gave us ⁵  for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of doing so. ⁶ 

2 Corinthians 11:12

11:12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate any opportunity for those who want a chance to be regarded as our equals ⁷  in the things they boast about.

2 Corinthians 13:10

13:10 Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive ⁸  I may not have to deal harshly with you ⁹  by using my authority – the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!

[5:12]  ¹ tn The present tense of συνιστάνομεν (sunistanomen) has been translated as a conative present.

[5:12]  ² tn Or “to boast about us.”

[5:12]  ³ tn Or “who boast.”

[5:12]  ⁴ tn Or “in what is seen.”

[10:8]  ⁵ tn The word “us” is not in the Greek text but is supplied. Indirect objects in Greek were often omitted when clear from the context, and must be supplied for the modern English reader.

[10:8]  ⁶ tn Grk “I will not be put to shame,” “I will not be ashamed.” The words “of doing so” are supplied to clarify for the reader that Paul will not be ashamed of boasting somewhat more about the authority the Lord gave him (beginning of v. 8).

[11:12]  ⁹ tn Grk “an opportunity, so that they may be found just like us.”

[13:10]  ¹³ tn Grk “when I am present,” but in the context of Paul’s third (upcoming) visit to Corinth, this is better translated as “when I arrive.”

[13:10]  ¹⁴ tn The words “with you” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.