For our glorying is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom, but in the grace of God, we did conduct ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you;

and in this confidence I was purposing to come unto you before, that a second favour ye might have,

This, therefore, counselling, did I then use the lightness; or the things that I counsel, according to the flesh do I counsel, that it may be with me Yes, yes, and No, no?

And I decided this to myself, not again to come in sorrow unto you,

and I wrote to you this same thing, that having come, I may not have sorrow from them of whom it behoved me to have joy, having confidence in you all, that my joy is of you all,

sufficient to such a one is this punishment, that is by the more part,

for, for this also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether in regard to all things ye are obedient.

for also even that which hath been glorious, hath not been glorious -- in this respect, because of the superior glory;

but their minds were hardened, for unto this day the same vail at the reading of the Old Covenant doth remain unwithdrawn -- which in Christ is being made useless --

Because of this, having this ministration, according as we did receive kindness, we do not faint,

in whom the god of this age did blind the minds of the unbelieving, that there doth not shine forth to them the enlightening of the good news of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God;

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

for also in this we groan, with our dwelling that is from heaven earnestly desiring to clothe ourselves,

And He who did work us to this self-same thing is God, who also did give to us the earnest of the Spirit;

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 of this we have been comforted in your comfort, and more abundantly the more did we rejoice in the joy of Titus, that his spirit hath been refreshed from you all;

so that we exhorted Titus, that, according as he did begin before, so also he may finish to you also this favour,

but even as in every thing ye do abound, in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all diligence, and in your love to us, that also in this grace ye may abound;

and an opinion in this do I give: for this to you is expedient, who not only to do, but also to will, did begin before -- a year ago,

and not only so, but who was also appointed by vote by the assemblies, our fellow-traveller, with this favour that is ministered by us, unto the glory of the same Lord, and your willing mind;

avoiding this, lest any one may blame us in this abundance that is ministered by us,

and I sent the brethren, that our boasting on your behalf may not be made vain in this respect; that, according as I said, ye may be ready,

lest if Macedonians may come with me, and find you unprepared, we -- we may be put to shame (that we say not -- ye) in this same confidence of boasting.

Necessary, therefore, I thought it to exhort the brethren, that they may go before to you, and may make up before your formerly announced blessing, that this be ready, as a blessing, and not as covetousness.

And this: He who is sowing sparingly, sparingly also shall reap; and he who is sowing in blessings, in blessings also shall reap;

because the ministration of this service not only is supplying the wants of the saints, but is also abounding through many thanksgivings to God,

through the proof of this ministration glorifying God for the subjection of your confession to the good news of the Christ, and for the liberality of the fellowship to them and to all,

The things in presence do ye see? if any one hath trusted in himself to be Christ's, this let him reckon again from himself, that according as he is Christ's, so also we are Christ's;

This one -- let him reckon thus: that such as we are in word, through letters, being absent, such also, being present, we are in deed.

The truth of Christ is in me, because this boasting shall not be stopped in regard to me in the regions of Achaia;

That which I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this the confidence of boasting;

Concerning this thing thrice the Lord did I call upon, that it might depart from me,

for what is there in which ye were inferior to the rest of the assemblies, except that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this injustice!

This third time do I come unto you; on the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every saying be established;

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

because of this, these things -- being absent -- I write, that being present, I may not treat any sharply, according to the authority that the Lord did give me for building up, and not for casting down.