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.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich.

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 any of the Macedonians should come with me and find that you are not ready to give, we would be humiliated (not to mention you) by this confidence we had in you.

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.

You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: Just as he himself belongs to Christ, so too do we.

As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.

(To my disgrace I must say that we were too weak for that!) But whatever anyone else dares to boast about (I am speaking foolishly), I also dare to boast about the same thing.

And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows)

These things may be treated as an allegory, for these women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar.

Those who want to make a good showing in external matters are trying to force you to be circumcised. They do so only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

far above every rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

To me – less than the least of all the saints – this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ

So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience.

so that he may present the church to himself as glorious – not having a stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.

For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand.