For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, ¹ 

who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment. ¹ 

And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose ¹  is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. ² 

For if I boast somewhat more about our authority that the Lord gave us ¹  for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of doing so. ² 

We were encouraged ¹  not only by his arrival, but also by the encouragement ²  you gave ³  him, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, ⁴  your deep concern ⁵  for me, so that I rejoiced more than ever.

Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive ¹  I may not have to deal harshly with you ²  by using my authority – the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!

Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes less one. ¹ 

And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

For even if I made you sad ¹  by my letter, ²  I do not regret having written it ³  (even though I did regret it, ⁴  for ⁵  I see that my letter made you sad, ⁶  though only for a short time).

Now when I arrived in Troas ¹  to proclaim the gospel of Christ, even though the Lord had opened ²  a door of opportunity ³  for me,

But God, who encourages ¹  the downhearted, encouraged ²  us by the arrival of Titus.

because he not only accepted our request, but since he was very eager, ¹  he is coming ²  to you of his own accord. ³ 

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

Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance ¹  by signs and wonders and powerful deeds. ² 

He ¹  delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will deliver us. We have set our hope on him ²  that ³  he will deliver us yet again,

And his affection for you is much greater ¹  when he remembers the obedience of you all, how you welcomed him with fear and trembling.

Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself ¹  so that you could be exalted, because I proclaimed ²  the gospel of God to you free of charge?

I urged Titus to visit you ¹  and I sent our ²  brother along with him. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? ³  Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit? Did we not behave in the same way? ⁴ 

I said before when I was present the second time and now, though absent, I say again to those who sinned previously and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare anyone, ¹