who has also sealed us and given us the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

And he that has made us for this is God, who has given us the pledge of the Spirit.

For we do not again commend ourselves to you, but give you occasion to glory on our account, that you may have something for those that glory in appearance and not in heart.

And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and given us the ministry of the reconciliation,

to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their offenses, and has given to us the word of reconciliation.

AND I make known to you, brothers, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia,

And in this case I give an opinion; for this is expedient for you, who began before to act in this matter and to act willingly a year ago.

Let each one contribute as he chooses in his heart, not with regret or from necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

But we will not boast of things not measured, but according to the measure of the rule which God has given us, to come even to you.

And that I might not be elated with my extraordinary revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, an angel of Satan to beat me, that I should not be too much exalted.

For this reason, being absent, I write these things, that I may not use sharpness when present, with the power which the Lord has given me for building up, and not for pulling down.