For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

But I determined this for myself, that I would not come again to you with sorrow.

but their minds were hardened: for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed to them that it is done away in Christ.

For indeed we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but that we would be clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life.

Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.

Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.

I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your aforepromised bounty, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion.

that I may not seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.

Would that ye could bear with me in a little foolishness: but indeed ye do bear with me.

For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be'strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults;