For as the Messiah's sufferings overflow into us, so also our comfort overflows through the Messiah.

Our hope for you is unshaken, because we know that as you share our sufferings, you also share our comfort.

as you also help us by your prayers for us. Then many people will thank God on our behalf because of the favor shown us through the prayers of many.

For what we are writing you is nothing more than what you can read and also understand. I hope you will understand completely,

I had also written to you to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in every way.

who has also qualified us to be ministers of a new covenant, which is not written but spiritual, because the written text brings death, but the Spirit gives life.

Now since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with this Scripture: "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak.

We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to God together with you.

Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade people. We ourselves are perfectly known to God. I hope we are also really known to your consciences.

and not only by his arrival but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing for me, your sorrow, and your eagerness to take my side, and this made me even happier.

For if I have been doing some boasting about you to him, I have never been ashamed of it. Moreover, since everything we told you was true, our boasting to Titus has also proved to be true.

More than that, he has also been selected by the churches to travel with us while we are administering this work of kindness for the glory of the Lord and as evidence of our eagerness to help.

We intend to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of people.

We have also sent with them our brother whom we have often tested in many ways and found to be dedicated. At present he is more dedicated than ever because he has so much confidence in you.

Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.

Now he who supplies seed to the farmer and bread to eat will also supply you with seed and multiply it and enlarge the harvest that results from your righteousness.

since this ministry you render is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, it is also overflowing with more and more prayers of thanksgiving to God.

So it is not surprising if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their doom will match their deeds!

I will say it again: No one should think that I am a fool. But if you do, then treat me like a fool so that I can also boast a little.

I have traveled extensively and have been endangered from rivers, robbers, my own people, and gentiles. I've also been in danger in the city, in the open country, at sea, from false brothers,