For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, of our tribulation that happened to us in Asia, that we were exceedingly burdened above our power, so that we despaired even of life;

And we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us;

in the word of truth, in the power of God, through the armour of the righteousness, on the right and on the left,

as sorrowful, and always rejoicing; as poor, and making many rich; as having nothing, and possessing all things.

for, lo, this same thing -- your being made sorry toward God -- how much diligence it doth work in you! but defence, but displeasure, but fear, but longing desire, but zeal, but revenge; in every thing ye did approve yourselves to be pure in the matter.

because, according to their power, I testify, and above their power, they were willing of themselves,

for ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that because of you he became poor -- being rich, that ye by that poverty may become rich.

(according as it hath been written, 'He dispersed abroad, he gave to the poor, his righteousness doth remain to the age,')

O that ye were bearing with me a little of the folly, but ye also do bear with me:

for I am zealous for you with zeal of God, for I did betroth you to one husband, a pure virgin, to present to Christ,

for gladly do ye bear with the fools -- being wise,

for ye bear, if any one is bringing you under bondage, if any one doth devour, if any one doth take away, if any one doth exalt himself, if any one on the face doth smite you;

and He said to me, 'Sufficient for thee is My grace, for My power in infirmity is perfected;' most gladly, therefore, will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of the Christ may rest on me:

for even if he was crucified from infirmity, yet he doth live from the power of God; for we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him from the power of God toward you.

and I pray before God that ye do no evil, not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is right, and we may be as disapproved;

for we rejoice when we may be infirm, and ye may be powerful; and this also we pray for -- your perfection!