For what we are writing you is nothing more than what you can read and also understand. I hope you will understand completely,

just as you have already understood us partially, so that on the Day of our Lord Jesus we can be your reason to boast, even as you are ours.

When I planned this, I did not do it lightly, did I? Are my plans so fickle that I can say "Yes" and "No" at the same time?

For all God's promises are "Yes" in him. And so through him we can say "Amen," to the glory of God.

because we do not look for things that can be seen but for things that cannot be seen. For things that can be seen are temporary, but things that cannot be seen are eternal.

We are not recommending ourselves to you again but are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who are proud of outward things rather than inward character.

Stop becoming unevenly yoked with unbelievers. What partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? What fellowship can light have with darkness?

What agreement can a temple of God make with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, just as God said: "I will live and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people."

I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you.

I can testify that by their own free will they have given to the utmost of their ability, yes, even beyond their ability.

Then we can preach the gospel in the regions far beyond you without boasting about things already accomplished by someone else.

I will say it again: No one should think that I am a fool. But if you do, then treat me like a fool so that I can also boast a little.

I am ashamed to admit it, but we have been too weak for that. Whatever anyone else dares to claim I am talking like a fool I can claim it, too.