This is the very thing I wrote you, that when I did come I might not be made sad by the very people who ought to make me glad, for I had confidence in you all that my gladness would be gladness to you all.

When I went to Troas to preach the good news of Christ, although I had an opportunity in the service of the Lord,

I had no rest of spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and left for Macedonia.

For if the service connected with condemnation had such splendor, the service resulting in right standing with God will surely far surpass it in splendor.

So, because I hold a place in this ministry and that because I have had God's mercy shown me, I never give up.

For even after I had gotten to Macedonia, my frail, human nature could find no relief; I was crushed with sorrow at every turn -- fighting without and fears within.

and not only by his coming but by the comfort he had gotten from you, because he kept on telling me how you were longing to see me, how sorry you were, and how loyal you were to me, so that I was gladder still.

I am glad of it now, not because you had such sorrow, but because your sorrow led you to repentance, for you took your sorrow in accordance with the will of God, so that you should not suffer any loss at all from me.

so that I insisted that Titus, as he had formerly commenced it, should bring to completion this gracious contribution among you too.