And when I came to Troas to preach the gospel of the Christ, and a door was opened to me in the Lord,

But to this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart:

For when we came into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest; but we were oppressed on every side: without were battles, within were fears.

and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you when he told us of your strong affection, your grief, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced the more.

Now I, the same Paul, who, when present among you, am timid, but when absent, am bold toward you, entreat you, by the mildness and gentleness of Christ;

I, indeed, beseech you, that I may not, when present, be bold with that confidence with which I think I shall be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

and being ready to take vengeance on all disobedience, when your obedience shall have been fully established.

Let such a one conclude thus that such as we are in word, by letters, while absent, such also will we be in deed, when present.

not boasting ourselves in the labors of others in regions not measured off to us, but having hope that, when your faith is increased, we shall be magnified among you abundantly, according to our line,

I robbed other churches, taking wages to do you service: and when I was present with you, and wanted, I was not a burden to any one;

For this reason, I take pleasure in infirmities, in outrages, in necessities, in persecutions, in straits, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

For I fear, lest when I come I shall find you not, such as I wish, and I shall be found by you not such as you wish: lest there shall be contentions, envies, excitements, strife, evil speaking, whisperings, party spirit, disorderly conduct:

lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn over many of those who have already sinned, and have not repented of the uncleanness and lewdness and wantonness which they have committed.

For we rejoice when we are weak, and you are strong. And we pray also for this your perfection.

For this reason, I write these things, while absent, that I may not, when present, use severity, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification, and not for destruction.