For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction taking place in Asia, because we were burthened exceedingly, above our power, so that we despaired even of living:

But if the ministry of death, having been written in letters of stone, was in glory, so that the sons of Israel were not able to look upon the face of Moses on account of the glory of his countenance; which was destined to be done away:

But their minds were darkened. For until this day the same veil remains in the reading of the old covenant, remains, not lifted; because it is done away in Christ;

For the love of Christ constrains us; having judged this, that one died for all; then were all dead;

Because I witness, that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they were anxious,

But I sent the brethren, in order that our boasting which is in your behalf may not be in vain in this region; in order that, as I was saying, your were ready:

in order that I may not seem as it were to terrify you by my letters.

What I say, I am not saying according to the Lord, but as it were in folly, in this confidence of glorying.

For a long time you were thinking that I am apologizing to you. We speak before God in Christ; but all things, beloved, are for your edification.