For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning our tribulation which befell us in Asia; that we were exceedingly weighed down beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

in the word of truth, in the power of God; through the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and possessing all things.

For, behold this very thing??hat ye were made sorry after a godly manner??hat diligence it wrought in you; yea, what defense of yourselves; yea, what indignation; yea, what fear; yea what earnest desire; yea, what zeal; yea, what avenging! In everything ye proved yourselves to be pure in the matter.

For, according to their power, I bear witness, and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord;

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might become rich.

as it has been written, "He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor; his righteousness abides forever."

but I pray that, when present, I may not show courage with the confidence with which I purpose to be bold against some who reckon us as walking according to the flesh.

Would that ye could bear with me in some little foolishness! Yea, indeed, ye do bear with me.

For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy; for I espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a pure virgin to Christ;

For, if he that comes preaches another Jesus, Whom we did not preach; or, if ye receive a different spirit, which ye did not receive, or a different Gospel, which ye did not accept; well do ye bear with him.

for ye gladly bear with the foolish, being yourselves wise.

For ye bear with it, if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes you captive, if one exalts himself, if one smites you on the face.

And He hath said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you; for My power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

for, indeed, He was crucified through weakness, but He liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him through the power of God toward you.

Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do what is honorable, though we be rejected.

For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong; this also we pray for??our perfection.