And with this confidence, I was wanting to come to you previously, in order that you may have a second proof of my goodwill,

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

But I am keeping this jewel in an earthen jar, to prove that its surpassing power is God's, not mine.

always bearing about in my body the marks of sufferings like those of Jesus, so that Jesus might be plainly prov'd to be alive by the sufferings of my body.

So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable. Cross references: 2 Corinthians 4:6 : Gen 1:3 2 Corinthians 4:13 : Ps 116:10 end of crossrefs

I prove myself at all points a true minister of God, by great endurance, by suffering, by troubles, by calamities,

how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

Not only that, but he has been selected by the churches to travel with me for this gracious contribution which is being raised by me, so that it may turn out for the glory of the Lord and a proof of my readiness to serve.

And we send with them our brother, of whose zeal we have had frequent proof in many matters, and who is now more zealous than ever through the strong confidence which he has in you.

Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you would not prove to be empty in this case, so that you may be prepared just as I was saying,

they glorifying God through the proof of this ministration, by reason of your subjection, by profession, to the glad tidings of the Christ, and your free-hearted liberality in communicating towards them and towards all;

I have been "playing the fool!" It is you who drove me to it. For it is you who ought to have been commending me! Although I am nobody, in no respect did I prove inferior to the most eminent Apostles.

Those who have kept on in their old sins and all the rest I have warned, and I warn them now while I am still away, as I did on my second visit, that if I come back I will spare nobody??3 since you demand proof that Christ really speaks through me. He is not weak in dealing with you. On the contrary, right among you he exhibits his power.

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

But I hope that you will know that we are not without proof.

Yet I pray to God that you may do no evil; not that we may appear as having proof, but that you may do what is good, though we be as without proof.