PAUL an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy a brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we might be able to comfort those who are in all tribulation, by the consolation with which we ourselves are comforted of God.

But whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectually wrought by patient endurance of the same sufferings which we also suffer; or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, of the tribulation which came to us in Asia, that above measure we have been burdened beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life:

For we write no other things to you than those which you know and acknowledge; and I trust also ye will acknowledge them even to the end.

Such then being my intention, did I indeed change it with levity? or the things which I purpose, do I purpose after the flesh, that with me there should be yea, yea, and nay, nay?

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears, not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly towards you.

Sufficient for such person is that chastisement which hath been inflicted by the majority of you.

because ye are manifestly seen to be the letter of Christ, of which we have been the secretaries, written not with ink, but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tables of stone, but on the fleshly tables of the heart.

For that which was glorious hath no glory, comparatively, because of the glory which excelleth.

For if that which was abolished came in a glorious manner, much more is that which remaineth glorious.

And [act] not as Moses who spread a veil over his face, in order that the children of Israel might not look stedfastly to the end of that which should be abolished.

But their understandings were darkened: for unto this day the same veil in their reading the old testament abideth unremoved; which veil is taken away by Christ.

whilst we direct our aim not to the things which are seen, but to the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal.

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our mansion which is from heaven;

For we which are in this tabernacle, groan, being burdened; wherein we desire not to be unclothed, but clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life.

NOW we inform you, brethren, of the grace of God which hath been bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

Now then accomplish also the doing it, that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be also to perform out of that which ye have.

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

And we have sent with him our brother, whom we have often experienced in many things to be a man of diligence, but now much more diligent, through the great confidence which I have in you.

For I know your readiness of mind, for which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia had made preparation a year ago; and your zeal hath stirred up very many.

being in every thing enriched unto all liberality, which [causeth] by us thanksgiving to God.

But I pray, that when I am present I may not be bold with the confidence with which I purpose to act resolutely against some who think of us, as if we walked after the flesh.

laying low proud reasonings, and every high thing which exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and making every thought captive to the obedience of Christ:

Yea, and if I should boast somewhat more highly of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for your edification, and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed;

But we will not glory in things beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath marked out for us?? measure that hath reached even unto you.

But I fear lest as the serpent beguiled Eve by his craftiness, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity which belongs to Christ.

For if he indeed that cometh preach another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not embraced, ye might well bear with him.

and beside all these things from without, that accumulated burden which cometh on me daily, the care of all the churches.

If I must glory, I will glory in the things which respect my infirmities.

that he was caught up into paradise, and heard ineffable words, which it is not permitted to man to speak.

and lest when I come to you again, my God should bow me down, and I should lament over many who have sinned before, and have not repented of the impurities, and whoredom, and lasciviousness which they have committed.

Now I pray unto God that ye do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you may do that which is laudable, though we should be as reprobates.

For this cause, though absent, I have written these things, that when I am present I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.