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

This punishment on such an individual by the majority is enough for him,

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

Thus we urged Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, so also he should complete this act of kindness for you.

We did this as a precaution so that no one should blame us in regard to this generous gift we are administering.

What I am saying with this boastful confidence I do not say the way the Lord would. Instead it is, as it were, foolishness.

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that could defile the body and the spirit, and thus accomplish holiness out of reverence for God.

For if any of the Macedonians should come with me and find that you are not ready to give, we would be humiliated (not to mention you) by this confidence we had in you.

because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God.

As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.

For our reason for confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that with pure motives and sincerity which are from God – not by human wisdom but by the grace of God – we conducted ourselves in the world, and all the more toward you.

But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you – make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.

In addition, this brother has also been chosen by the churches as our traveling companion as we administer this generous gift to the glory of the Lord himself and to show our readiness to help.

Therefore I thought it necessary to urge these brothers to go to you in advance and to arrange ahead of time the generous contribution you had promised, so this may be ready as a generous gift and not as something you feel forced to do.

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.

For how were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this injustice!