For just as we experience an overflow of Christ's sufferings, even so we also experience an overflow of comfort through Christ.

And our hope for you is firm, for we know that just as you share our sufferings, so you will also [share] our comfort.

But just as certainly as God is dependable, our message to you is not [both] "yes" and "no" [at the same time].

And what agreement is there between a temple of God and idols? For we are a temple of the living God, just as God said [Lev. 26:12], "I will live in them and walk among them [i.e., among His people]; and I will be their God and they will be my people."

But just as you excel in everything [else]; in your faith, in your speaking; in your knowledge [Note: Possibly these refer to spiritual gifts. See I Cor. 12:8-10], in your eagerness [to serve], and in your love for us, now you people should also excel in this favorable work [i.e., of giving financial help to needy people].

So, now finish doing it also, so that just as you were eager to want to, you will also [be eager to] finish it, according to your ability.

You people are looking [merely] at the appearance of things [or, "You should look at what is obvious!" In either case, it suggests they were misjudging Paul's ministry]. If any person is confident within himself that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: We are just as much Christ's [servants] as he is.

But I am afraid that somehow, just as the snake tricked Eve by his cunning, your minds might [also] be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.