Authoritative boldness at a distance and face to face

Boldness in the truth is to be maintained consistently, in the face of opposition as well as aside from it.

1. The place of understatement v7,8.
   The apostle's assertion of his own apostolic authority and gifts confined to the sole edification of the church.

2. Avoiding occasion of accusation v9,10.
   The apostle defends and guards himself against the unjust surmisings of his opponents.

3. Consistency between close up and distant communication v11.
   We need to be as bold with the truth when facing our enemies as when we face our friends, when it costs us and when it does not.

• Application