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.

And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.

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.

So here is my opinion on this matter: It is to your advantage, since you made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give,

through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise; regarded as impostors, and yet true;

Now when I arrived in Troas to proclaim the gospel of Christ, even though the Lord had opened a door of opportunity for me,

I rejoice because in everything I am fully confident in you.

And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in spreading the gospel.

Therefore we are always full of courage, and we know that as long as we are alive here on earth we are absent from the Lord –

so that we may preach the gospel in the regions that lie beyond you, and not boast of work already done in another person’s area.

Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you could be exalted, because I proclaimed the gospel of God to you free of charge?

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.

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing,

Thus we are full of courage and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Just as it is written, “He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.”

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, set things right, be encouraged, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow.

among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God.

For he says, “I heard you at the acceptable time, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation!

Through the evidence of this service they will glorify God because of your obedience to your confession in the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone.