I wrote to you out of great sorrow and anguish of heart along with many tears not to make you sad but to let you know how much love I have for you.

For if that which fades away came through glory, how much more does that which is permanent have glory?

See what great earnestness godly sorrow has produced in you! How ready you are to clear yourselves, how indignant, how alarmed, how full of longing and enthusiasm, how eager to seek justice! In every way you have demonstrated that you are innocent in this matter.

His affection for you is even greater as he remembers how obedient all of you were and how you welcomed him with fear and trembling.

For I know how willing you are, and I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year, and your enthusiasm has stimulated most of them.

We would not dare put ourselves in the same class with, or compare ourselves to, those who recommend themselves. Whenever they measure themselves by their own standards or compare themselves among themselves, they show how foolish they are.

If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show how weak I am.

How were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I did not bother you for help? Forgive me for this wrong!