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

and through your help to go on into Macedonia and then from Macedonia to come back to you and be helped on our way into Judea by you.

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!

Put yourselves to the test to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you – unless, indeed, you fail the test!

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.

For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away – look, what is new has come!

Our affection for you is not restricted, but you are restricted in your affections for us.

At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality,

I wish that you would be patient with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you are being patient with me!

Look, for the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you, because I do not want your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

I do not mean that we rule over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because by faith you stand firm.

For this reason also I wrote you: to test you to see if you are obedient in everything.

and I will be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” says the All-Powerful Lord.

Therefore show them openly before the churches the proof of your love and of our pride in you.

And in their prayers on your behalf they long for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown to you.

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?

But be that as it may, I have not burdened you. Yet because I was a crafty person, I took you in by deceit!

For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong. And we pray for this: that you may become fully qualified.

For we do not write you anything other than what you can read and also understand. But I hope that you will understand completely