And being certain of this, it was my purpose to come to you before, so that you might have a second grace;

And I said this very thing in my letter, for fear that when I came I might have sorrow from those from whom it was right for me to have joy; being certain of this, that my joy is the joy of you all.

For we are not like the great number who make use of the word of God for profit: but our words are true, as from God, being said as before God in Christ.

For, while living, we are still being given up to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be seen in our flesh, though it is under the power of death.

In a clean heart, in knowledge, in long waiting, in being kind, in the Holy Spirit, in true love,

How while they were undergoing every sort of trouble, and were in the greatest need, they took all the greater joy in being able to give freely to the needs of others.

Seriously requesting us that they might have a part in this grace of being servants to the needs of the saints:

Your wealth being increased in everything, with a simple mind, causing praise to God through us.

Being ready to give punishment to whatever is against his authority, after you have made it clear that you are completely under his control.

And when I was present with you, and was in need, I let no man be responsible for me; for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, gave me whatever was needed; and in everything I kept myself from being a trouble to you, and I will go on doing so.

For you put up with the foolish gladly, being wise yourselves.

And being let down in a basket from the wall through a window, I got free from his hands.

So I take pleasure in being feeble, in unkind words, in needs, in cruel attacks, in troubles, on account of Christ: for when I am feeble, then am I strong.

But let it be so, that I was not a trouble to you myself; but (someone may say) being false, I took you with deceit.

I said before, and still say it before I come, as being present for the second time, though I am still away from you, to those who have done wrong before, and to all the others, that if I come again I will not have pity;