Now we are writing nothing to you other than what you can read and also understand. I hope you will understand completely—

For if I cause you pain, then who will cheer me other than the one being hurt by me?

To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. And who is competent for this?

I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love.

It is not that there may be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality—

They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service.

We are not bragging beyond measure about other people’s labors. But we have the hope that as your faith increases, our area of ministry will be greatly enlarged,

I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to minister to you.

Not to mention other things, there is the daily pressure on me: my care for all the churches.

So in what way were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I personally did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!