Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a double benefit.

And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I had confidence in all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.

For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.

in order that Satan might gain no advantage over us; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

So although I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong, nor on account of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your zeal for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich.

I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.

Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge?

The signs of a true apostle were performed among you in all perseverance, with signs and wonders and mighty works.