Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present,<n id="1" /> there is freedom.

But <b><i>the one who boasts must boast in the Lordi>b>.<n id="1" />

as sorrowful, but always rejoicing, as poor, but making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.p>

<t /><p class="bodytext">Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord,<n id="1" /> we try to persuade<n id="2" /> people,<n id="3" /> but we are well known<n id="4" /> to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.

And we are sending<n id="1" /> 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.

But it is God who establishes<n id="1" /> us together with you in Christ and who anointed us,<n id="2" />

<p class="bodytext">Now we have such confidence in God through Christ.

but when one<n id="1" /> turns to the Lord, <i>the veil is removedi>.<n id="2" />

As a result,<n id="1" /> death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.<n id="2" />

Our affection for you is not restricted,<n id="1" /> but you are restricted in your affections for us.

Now as a fair exchange &#8211; I speak as to my<n id="1" /> children &#8211; open wide your hearts to us<n id="2" /> also.p>

And what agreement does Christ have with Beliar?<n id="1" /> Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever?

because he not only accepted our request, but since he was very eager,<n id="1" /> he is coming<n id="2" /> to you of his own accord.<n id="3" />

<t /><p class="bodytext">It is necessary to go on boasting.<n id="1" /> Though it is not profitable, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.

And I hope that you will realize that we have not failed the test!<n id="1" />

<t /><p class="bodytext">Now I, Paul, appeal to you<n id="1" /> personally<n id="2" /> by the meekness and gentleness<n id="3" /> of Christ (I who am meek<n id="4" /> when present among<n id="5" /> you, but am full of courage<n id="6" /> toward you when away!) &#8211;

Now we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong, not so that we may appear to have passed the test,<n id="1" /> but so that you may do what is right<n id="2" /> even if we may appear to have failed the test.<n id="3" />

But as God is faithful, our message to you is not &#8220;Yes&#8221; and &#8220;No.&#8221;

<t /><p class="bodytext">Now I appeal to God as my witness,<n id="1" /> that to spare<n id="2" /> you I did not come again to Corinth.<n id="3" />

But if anyone has caused sadness, he has not saddened me alone, but to some extent (not to exaggerate)<n id="1" /> he has saddened all of you as well.