And I wrote about this very matter, that I might not on my coming have sorrow from those who ought to gladden me, having confidence in all of you, that my joy is the joy of you all.

Now he that hath prepared us for this very thing is God; who also gave to us the Spirit as the pledge.

For behold this very thing, that your sorrow had respect to God; what earnestness it wrought in you; yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what longing desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what readiness to punish! In every thing ye showed yourselves to be pure in the matter.

for he accepted indeed the exhortation; but being very earnest, he went of his own accord to you.

For I suppose that I am in no respect behind the very foremost apostles.

I have become a fool; it is ye that compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the very foremost apostles, though I am nothing.

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more I love you, the less I am loved.