In fact he became so ill that he nearly died. But God showed mercy to him – and not to him only, but also to me – so that I would not have grief on top of grief.

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel:

I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far,

So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence,