Now I rejoice, not because you were made sad, but because you were made sad to the point of repentance. For you were made sad as God intended, so that you were not harmed in any way by us.

So then, even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did wrong, or on account of the one who was wronged, but to reveal to you your eagerness on our behalf before God.

I am afraid that when I come again, my God may humiliate me before you, and I will grieve for many of those who previously sinned and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and licentiousness that they have practiced.

Now we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong, not so that we may appear to have passed the test, but so that you may do what is right even if we may appear to have failed the test.

Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow.

as you also join in helping us by prayer, so that many people may give thanks to God on our behalf for the gracious gift given to us through the help of many.

For see what this very thing, this sadness as God intended, has produced in you: what eagerness, what defense of yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what deep concern, what punishment! In everything you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

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For if there was glory in the ministry that produced condemnation, how much more does the ministry that produces righteousness excel in glory!

For he says, “I heard you at the acceptable time, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation!

we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are knocked down, but not destroyed,

for we live by faith, not by sight.

And I hope that you will realize that we have not failed the test!

For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow toward us, so also our comfort through Christ overflows to you.

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing,

through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise; regarded as impostors, and yet true;

For it is not necessary for me to write you about this service to the saints,

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

Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance by signs and wonders and powerful deeds.

I do not mean that we rule over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because by faith you stand firm.