For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you.

And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that you might have a second benefit;

But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether you be obedient in all things.

For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels.

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same veil not taken away in the reading of the old covenant; which veil is done away in Christ.

But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their hearts.

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

In whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of them who believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

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

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die and live with you.

For behold this same thing, that you sorrowed after a godly sort, what earnestness it worked in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what full punishment! In all things you have proved yourselves to be pure in this matter.

And this they did, not as we expected, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Therefore, as you abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.

And in this I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to desire a year ago.

But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and a testimony of your eagerness:

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, you may be ready:

Lest perhaps if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, you) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

But this I say, He who sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

For the administration of this service not only supplies the need of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

While by the proof of this ministry they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

Do you look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trusts to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

Let such a one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

That which I speak, I speak it not according to the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

For this thing I besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me.

For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

For we are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.