since he was longing after you all, and was in great distress, because ye heard that he was sick.

For, in fact, he was sick, near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

Receive him, therefore, in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honor;

Nay, more, I even account all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I suffered the loss of all things, and account them refuse, that I may gain Christ.

Not that I am seeking for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that abounds to your account.