Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

For I wrote to you out of great distress and with an anguished heart, and with many tears, not to cause you sorrow but to make you realize the [overflowing] love which I have especially for you.

But [in fact] their minds were hardened [for they had lost the ability to understand]; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed [only] in Christ.

hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed;

We are not commending ourselves to you again, but are giving you an occasion to be [rightfully] proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in [outward] appearances [the virtues they pretend to have] rather than what is [actually] in heart.

We are speaking freely to you, Corinthians [we are keeping nothing back], and our heart is opened wide.

His affection is greater than ever as he remembers the obedience [to his guidance] that all of you exhibited, and how you received him with the greatest respect.

But thanks be to God who puts the same genuine concern for you in the heart of Titus.

Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].

Who is weak, and I do not feel [his] weakness? Who is made to sin, and I am not on fire [with sorrow and concern]?

was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words which man is not permitted to speak [words too sacred to tell].