For our pride is this (the testimony from our conscience), that we behave in the world in the simplicity and purity of God, not by fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, and especially toward you.

And in this confidence I intended to come to you earlier, so that ye might have a second benefit,

Therefore intending this, did I accordingly employ anything in lightness? Or what I decide, do I decide according to flesh, so that it would be with me the yes, yes and the no, no?

But I determined this in myself, not to come again to you in sadness.

And I wrote this same thing to you, so that when I came, I would not have sadness from whom I ought to rejoice, having been confident toward you all, because my joy is of all of you.

Sufficient to such a man is this punishment by the many,

For I also wrote for this, so that I might know the proof of you, whether ye are obedient in all things.

For also that which has been glorified, has not been glorified in this regard, because of the glory that transcends.

But their minds were hardened, for to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old testament, not being uncovered, which thing is abolished in Christ.

But to this day when Moses is read, a veil lays upon their heart.

Because of this (having this ministry), in as much as we received mercy, we do not become discouraged.

in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, in order for the light of the good-news of the glory of the Christ (who is a likeness of God) not to shine forth to them.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the excellence of the power may be of God and not from us,

For also in this we groan, longing to clothe ourselves with our habitation from heaven,

Now he who wrought us for this same thing is God, who also gave us the pledge of the Spirit.

For the love of Christ holds us together, having judge this, that if one died for all, then all died.

For behold this same thing--your grieving toward God. How much eagerness it worked in you, even a defense, even indignation, even fear, even longing, even zeal, even vengeance! In everything ye demonstrated yourselves to be pure in

Because of this we have been encouraged. And from your encouragement, we rejoiced to a greater degree more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.

for us to urge Titus that, as he earlier began this kindness, so he would even finish it for you also.

But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all diligence, and in your love to us, be that ye may also abound in this kindness.

And in this I give judgment, for this is expedient for you who earlier began, from a year ago, not only the doing but also the intending.

And not only so, but who was also chosen by the congregations, a traveling companion of us with this gift administered by us, for the glory of the same Lord and our willingness.

Arranging this lest any man may criticize us in this bounty administered by us,

But I sent the brothers so that our boast about you would not be empty in this regard. So that, as I said, ye may be prepared,

if somehow Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared, we (that we might not say, ye) would be embarrassed in this confidence of boast.

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brothers that they would go ahead to you, and arrange in advance your gift that was earlier announced, for this to be ready this way as a gift and not as an exaction.

But this, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows in blessings will also reap in blessings.

Because the service of this ministry is not only supplying the needs of the sanctified, but also abounding through many thanksgivings to God

through the evidence of this service, glorifying God at the subjection of your confession toward the good-news of the Christ, and at the generosity of the participation, for them and for all,

Do ye look at things according to appearance. If any man has convinced himself to be of Christ, let him consider this again of himself, that, as he is of Christ, so also are we of Christ.

Let such a man think this, that such kind we are in word by letters when absent, we are also such kind when present in the work.

The truth of Christ is in me that this pride in me will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.

What I speak, I speak not according to Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of the boast.

I besought the Lord thrice about this, that it might depart from me.

For what is there which ye were inferior to the other congregations? Except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong.

This third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two witnesses or three every saying will be confirmed.

For we are glad when we are weak and ye are strong. And this also we pray for, your full qualification.

Because of this I write these things while absent, so that I may not act harshly when present, according to the authority that the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.