For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life:

But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

Therefore I beseech you that you would confirm your love toward him.

For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

Begging us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

So that we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your gift, of which you had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of gift, and not as an extortion.

That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

For though I would desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me.