For I am afraid that somehow when I come I will not find you what I wish, and you will find me<n id="1" /> not what you wish. I am afraid that<n id="2" /> somehow there may be quarreling, jealousy, intense anger, selfish ambition,<n id="3" /> slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.

So here is my opinion on this matter: It is to your advantage, since you<n id="1" /> made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give,

to finish what you started,<n id="1" /> so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly,<n id="2" /> you can also complete it<n id="3" /> according to your means.<n id="4" />

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<n id="1" /> in the things they boast about.

For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,<n id="1" /> regarding the affliction that happened to us in the province of Asia,<n id="2" /> that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of living.

For we groan while we are in this tent,<n id="1" /> since we are weighed down,<n id="2" /> because we do not want to be unclothed, but clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

For even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling<n id="1" /> the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard<n id="2" /> me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me,