Therefore we have been encouraged. And in addition to our own encouragement, we rejoiced even more at the joy of Titus, because all of you have refreshed his spirit.

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

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

But I am sending these brothers so that our boasting about you may not be empty in this case, so that you may be ready just as I kept telling them.

For if I boast somewhat more about our authority that the Lord gave us for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of doing so.

But we will not boast beyond certain limits, but will confine our boasting according to the limits of the work to which God has appointed us, that reaches even as far as you.

For we were not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach as far as you, because we were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel about Christ.

I have become a fool. You yourselves forced me to do it, for I should have been commended by you. For I lack nothing in comparison to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.

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.

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.

[[EMPTY]]

and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as though I were an angel of God, as though I were Christ Jesus himself!

You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear.

and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart as to Christ,

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith,

and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation – a sign which is from God.

But for now I have considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. For he is my brother, coworker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to me in my need.