But we will not boast beyond certain limits, ¹  but will confine our boasting ²  according to the limits of the work to which God has appointed us, ³  that reaches even as far as you.

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up to the third heaven.

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 ¹  before God.

I am afraid that ¹  when I come again, my God may humiliate me before you, and I will grieve for ²  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, ¹  but so that you may do what is right ²  even if we may appear to have failed the test. ³ 

Now God ¹  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 ¹  on our behalf for the gracious gift given to us through the help of many.

For see what this very thing, this sadness ¹  as God intended, has produced in you: what eagerness, what defense of yourselves, ²  what indignation, ³  what alarm, what longing, what deep concern, ⁴  what punishment! ⁵  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, ¹  how much more does the ministry that produces righteousness ²  excel ³  in glory!

For he says, “I heard you at the acceptable time, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” ¹  Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation!

we are persecuted, but not abandoned; ¹  we are knocked down, ²  but not destroyed,

for we live ¹  by faith, not by sight.

And I hope that you will realize that we have not failed the test! ¹ 

For just as the sufferings ¹  of Christ ²  overflow ³  toward us, so also our comfort through Christ overflows to you. ⁴ 

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, ¹  and yet true;

For it is not necessary ¹  for me to write you about this service ²  to the saints,

Just as it is written, “He ¹  has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.” ² 

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