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.

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And our hope for you is steadfast because we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort.

And with this confidence I intended to come to you first so that you would get a second opportunity to see us,

But it is God who establishes us together with you in Christ and who anointed us,

For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing –

For in this earthly house we groan, because we desire to put on our heavenly dwelling,

So then whether we are alive or away, we make it our ambition to please him.

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

At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality,

For we are concerned about what is right not only before the Lord but also before men.

We are also ready to punish every act of disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

I wish that you would be patient with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you are being patient with me!

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

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

For our reason for confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that with pure motives and sincerity which are from God – not by human wisdom but by the grace of God – we conducted ourselves in the world, and all the more toward you.

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.

Therefore I thought it necessary to urge these brothers to go to you in advance and to arrange ahead of time the generous contribution you had promised, so this may be ready as a generous gift and not as something you feel forced to do.

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.

But as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.”