As a result, ¹  death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. ² 

Nor do we boast beyond certain limits ¹  in the work ²  done by others, but we hope ³  that as your faith continues to grow, our work may be greatly expanded ⁴  among you according to our limits, ⁵ 

so that we may preach the gospel in the regions that lie beyond you, and not boast of work already done in another person’s area.

in hard work and toil, ¹  through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, many times without food, in cold and without enough clothing. ² 

And God is able to make all grace overflow ¹  to you so that because you have enough ²  of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow ³  in every good work.

Thus ¹  we urged ²  Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, ³  so also he should complete this act of kindness ⁴  for you.

And we are sending ¹  along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in spreading the gospel. ² 

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.

in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, ¹  in troubles, ²  in sleepless nights, in hunger,

I do not mean that we rule over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because by faith you stand firm. ¹ 

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 ¹  in the things they boast about.

But as you excel ¹  in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you ²  – make sure that you excel ³  in this act of kindness ⁴  too.

You yourselves are our letter, ¹  written on our hearts, known and read by everyone,

We do not give anyone ¹  an occasion for taking an offense in anything, ²  so that no fault may be found with our ministry.

I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so that I could serve you! ¹ 

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

Now because we are fellow workers, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain. ¹ 

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves ¹  from everything that could defile the body ²  and the spirit, and thus accomplish ³  holiness out of reverence for God. ⁴ 

to finish what you started, ¹  so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly, ²  you can also complete it ³  according to your means. ⁴ 

because the service of this ministry is not only providing for ¹  the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God.