For our momentary, light suffering is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison

Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we are well known to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.

So then from now on we acknowledge no one from an outward human point of view. Even though we have known Christ from such a human point of view, now we do not know him in that way any longer.

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

And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

We do not give anyone an occasion for taking an offense in anything, so that no fault may be found with our ministry.

in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in troubles, in sleepless nights, in hunger,

by truthful teaching, by the power of God, with weapons of righteousness both for the right hand and for the left,

as unknown, and yet well-known; as dying and yet – see! – we continue to live; as those who are scourged and yet not executed;

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 have great confidence in you; I take great pride on your behalf. I am filled with encouragement; I am overflowing with joy in the midst of all our suffering.

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.

But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you – make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.

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,

to finish what you started, so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly, you can also complete it according to your means.

In addition, this brother has also been chosen by the churches as our traveling companion as we administer this generous gift to the glory of the Lord himself and to show our readiness to help.

because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God.

Through the evidence of this service they will glorify God because of your obedience to your confession in the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

now I ask that when I am present I may not have to be bold with the confidence that (I expect) I will dare to use against some who consider us to be behaving according to human standards.