For God who said, "Out of darkness let light shine," is He who has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory, which is radiant on the face of Christ.

And in just requital--I speak as to my children--let your hearts expand also.

Having therefore these promises, beloved friends, let us purify ourselves from all defilement of body and of spirit, and secure perfect holiness through the fear of God.

But we desire to let you know, brethren, of the grace of God which has been bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia;

Let each contribute what he has decided upon in his own mind, and not do it reluctantly or under compulsion. "It is a cheerful giver that God loves."

Is it outward appearances you look to? If any man is confident as regards himself that he specially belongs to Christ, let him consider again and reflect that just as he belongs to Christ, so also do we.

Let it not seem as if I wanted to frighten you by my letters.

Let such people take this into their reckoning, that whatever we are in word by our letters when absent, the same are we also in act when present.

But "whoever boasts, let his boast be in the Lord."

To return to what I was saying. Let no one suppose that I am foolish. Or if you must, at any rate make allowance for me as being foolish, in order that I, as well as they, may boast a little.

but through an opening in the wall I was let down in a basket, and so escaped his hands.