But I am afraid that<n id="1" /> just as the serpent<n id="2" /> deceived Eve by his treachery,<n id="3" /> your minds may be led astray<n id="4" /> from a sincere and pure<n id="5" /> devotion to Christ.

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up to the third heaven.

For even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling<n id="1" /> the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard<n id="2" /> me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me,

For how<n id="1" /> were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this injustice!

I am afraid that<n id="1" /> when I come again, my God may humiliate me before you, and I will grieve for<n id="2" /> many of those who previously sinned and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and licentiousness that they have practiced.p>

Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive<n id="1" /> I may not have to deal harshly with you<n id="2" /> by using my authority &#8211; the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!p>