I know that if this earthly tent of mine is taken down, I get a home from God, made by no human hands, eternal in the heavens.

and in this confidence I would fain get away from the body and reside with the Lord.

That is why I have thought it necessary to ask these brothers to go on in advance and get your promised contribution ready in good time. I want it to be forthcoming as a generous gift, not as money wrung out of you.

I appeal to you myself by the gentleness and consideration of Christ ??the Paul who is 'humble enough to your face when he is with you, but outspoken enough when he gets away from you.'