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

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

We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may be able to answer those who take pride in outward appearance and not in what is in the heart.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

But it is God who establishes us together with you in Christ and who anointed us,

As a result, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

We do so because we know that the one who raised up Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus and will bring us with you into his presence.

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

Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia,

For it is not necessary for me to write you about this service to the saints,

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?

Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance by signs and wonders and powerful deeds.

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

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,

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

Have you been thinking all this time that we have been defending ourselves to you? We are speaking in Christ before God, and everything we do, dear friends, is to build you up.

since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak toward you but is powerful among you.

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!

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the one who was proclaimed among you by us – by me and Silvanus and Timothy – was not “Yes” and “No,” but it has always been “Yes” in him.