For, brothers, we would not have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength; so much so that we despaired even of life.

But I determined this within myself, that I would not come to you again in grief.

for us to call on Titus, that even as he began before, so he would also complete this grace to you also.

I say this lest perhaps Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared. We (not to say you) would then be put to shame in this confident boasting.

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brothers that they would go forward to you, and make up beforehand your blessing, it having been promised that this would be ready, thus as a matter of blessing, and not as of covetousness.

I would that you were bearing with me a little in foolishness; but indeed bear with me.