And with this confidence I intended to come to you first so that you would get a second opportunity to see us,

we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are knocked down, but not destroyed,

so that we may not be exploited by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his schemes).

My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.

even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me – so that I would not become arrogant.

For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing –

Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as God has shown us mercy, we do not become discouraged.

For I do not say this so there would be relief for others and suffering for you, but as a matter of equality.

Apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxious concern for all the churches.

I had no relief in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-bye to them and set out for Macedonia.

Therefore we do not despair, but even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day.

Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.

For we were not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach as far as you, because we were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel about Christ.

Nor do we boast beyond certain limits in the work done by others, but we hope that as your faith continues to grow, our work may be greatly expanded among you according to our limits,