but I was let down in a rope-basket through a window in the city wall, and escaped his hands.

Let such a person consider this: What we say by letters when we are absent, we also are in actions when we are present.

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.

I say again, let no one think that I am a fool. But if you do, then at least accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.

For God, who said “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the one who shined in our hearts to give us the light of the glorious knowledge of God in the face of Christ.

For out of great distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not to make you sad, but to let you know the love that I have especially for you.

But the one who boasts must boast in the Lord.

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.

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.

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

Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

It is necessary to go on boasting. Though it is not profitable, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.

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

Now as a fair exchange – I speak as to my children – open wide your hearts to us also.

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

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

Therefore “come out from their midst, and be separate,” says the Lord, “and touch no unclean thing, and I will welcome you,

Make room for us in your hearts; we have wronged no one, we have ruined no one, we have exploited no one.

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

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.