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

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,

And we are sending with them our brother whom we have tested many times and found eager in many matters, but who now is much more eager than ever because of the great confidence he has in you.

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.

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.

And what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate any opportunity for those who want a chance to be regarded as our equals in the things they boast about.

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.

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,

So I made up my own mind not to pay you another painful visit.

But until this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds,

but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.

Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as God has shown us mercy, we do not become discouraged.

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

Our affection for you is not restricted, but you are restricted in your affections for us.

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

For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have.

because he not only accepted our request, but since he was very eager, he is coming to you of his own accord.

You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God,

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