because he not only accepted our request, but since he was very eager, he is coming to you of his own accord.

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

He delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will deliver us. We have set our hope on him that he will deliver us yet again,

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

You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: Just as he himself belongs to Christ, so too do we.

But if anyone has caused sadness, he has not saddened me alone, but to some extent (not to exaggerate) he has saddened all of you as well.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich.

For indeed he was crucified by reason of weakness, but he lives because of God’s power. For we also are weak in him, but we will live together with him, because of God’s power toward you.

And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised.

And his affection for you is much greater when he remembers the obedience of you all, how you welcomed him with fear and trembling.

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

For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have.

We were encouraged not only by his arrival, but also by the encouragement you gave him, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your deep concern for me, so that I rejoiced more than ever.

Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.

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

For even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me,

If there is any question about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; if there is any question about our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ.

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!

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.

But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me.