For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.

Now, brethren, we want you to know about the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia,

I am not speaking this as a command, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.

so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast of work already done in another man's territory.

And what I am doing, I will also continue to do, in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things of which they boast.