Though I am no trained orator, yet I am not without knowledge; indeed we made this perfectly clear to you in every way.

Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.

'I am beside myself,' am I? Well, that is between myself and God. I am 'sane,' am I? Well, that is in your interests;

Now here is my advice on what is best to do in this matter: Since you were the first ones to begin [taking up a collection] a year ago, [now you should] not only be doing something [about it], but [you should continue] wanting to do something [as well].

If indeed some one is coming to preach another Jesus, whom I did not preach, or you are receiving a Spirit other than you once received, or another gospel which you did not accept before, you would do well to bear with me.

We have good courage, however, and are well pleased - rather to be away from home, out of the body, and to come home, unto the Lord.

Wherefore also we are ambitious - whether at home, or away from home, to be, well-pleasing unto him.

For he saith - In an approved season, have I hearkened unto thee, and, in a day of salvation, have succoured thee; - Lo! now, a well-approved season, Lo! now, a day of salvation:

as unknown, and yet well-known, as dying, and lo! we live, as disciplined, and yet not put to death,

For, if the forwardness is set forth, according to what one may have, he is well approved, not according to what one hath not.

But now finish the task as well, that just as there was eagerness to desire it, so there may also be a completion from what you have.

wherefore I am well pleased in infirmities, in damages, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses -- for Christ; for whenever I am infirm, then I am powerful;

I speak not this to your reproach: for I have already assured you, that I am so heartily well affected to you, I could live and die with you.

I don't mean to prescribe to you, but that the zeal of others may show you are as sincerely well-affected.

wherefore show how much you love them, and how well you deserve the character I gave you, before all the churches.

having this proof of you by such a supply, they will glorify God for your profess'd subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them as well as others;