Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, ¹  the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia,

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

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

even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore, ¹  so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble ²  me – so that I would not become arrogant. ³ 

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.

In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and he has given us ¹  the message of reconciliation.

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

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!

For we who are alive are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible ¹  in our mortal body. ² 

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

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! ¹ 

Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as God has shown us mercy, ¹  we do not become discouraged. ² 

And in their prayers on your behalf they long for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown to you. ¹ 

Through the evidence ¹  of this service ²  they will glorify God because of your obedience to your confession in the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your sharing ³  with them and with everyone.

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 

But it is God who establishes ¹  us together with you in Christ and who anointed us, ² 

But thanks be to God who put in the heart of Titus the same devotion ¹  I have for you,

Therefore I thought it necessary to urge these brothers to go to you in advance and to arrange ahead of time the generous contribution ¹  you had promised, so this may be ready as a generous gift ²  and not as something you feel forced to do. ³ 

For all these things are for your sake, so that the grace that is including ¹  more and more people may cause thanksgiving to increase ²  to the glory of God.

who comforts us in all our troubles ¹  so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble ²  with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.