Study Desk

Now if the ministry of death that was inscribed in letters of stone came with such glory that the people of Israel could not gaze on Moses' face (because the glory was fading away from it),Exodus 34:1,28-30,35; Deuteronomy 10:1; Romans 7:10;">[xr]

In fact, that which once had glory lost its glory, because the other glory surpassed it.

because we do not look for things that can be seen but for things that cannot be seen. For things that can be seen are temporary, but things that cannot be seen are eternal.Romans 8:24; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1;">[xr]

So while we are still in this tent, we sigh under our burdens, because we do not want to put it off but to put it on, so that our dying bodies may be swallowed up by life.1 Corinthians 15:53-54;">[xr]

Now I am happy, not because you had such sorrow, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you were sorry in a godly way, and so you were not hurt by us in any way.

So, even though I wrote to you, it wasn't because of the man who did the wrong or because of the man who was hurt. Instead, I wrote to you so that your devotion to us might be made perfectly clear to you before God.2 Corinthians 2:4;">[xr]

This is what comforted us. In addition to our own comfort, we were even more delighted at the joy of Titus, because his spirit had been set at rest by all of you.Romans 15:32;">[xr]

I am giving you my opinion on this matter because it will be helpful to you. Last year you were not only willing to do something, but had already started to do it.Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 10:42; 1 Corinthians 7:25; 2 Corinthians 9:2; 1 Timothy 6:18-19; Hebrews 13:16;">[xr]

We have also sent with them our brother whom we have often tested in many ways and found to be dedicated. At present he is more dedicated than ever because he has so much confidence in you.

In every way you will grow richer and become even more generous, and this will produce thanksgiving to God because of us.2 Corinthians 1:11; 4:15;">[xr]

Because of the proof that this service of yours brings, you will glorify God because of your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and because of your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else.Matthew 5:16; Hebrews 13:16;">[xr]

And so in their prayers for you they will long for you because of God's exceptional grace that was shown to you.2 Corinthians 8:1;">[xr]

I am jealous of you with God's own jealousy, because I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.Leviticus 21:13; Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 4:15; Galatians 4:17-18; Colossians 1:28;">[xr]

When I was with you and needed something, I did not bother any of you, because our brothers who came from Macedonia supplied everything I needed. I kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.Acts 20:33; 2 Corinthians 12:13-14,16; Philippians 4:10,15-16; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9;">[xr]

Why? Because I do not love you? God knows that I do!2 Corinthians 6:11; 7:3; 12:15;">[xr]

Besides everything else, I have a daily burden because of my anxiety about all the churches.Acts 20:18; Romans 1:14;">[xr]

However, if I did want to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I am not going to do it in order to keep anyone from thinking more of me than what he sees and hears about me.2 Corinthians 10:8; 11:16;">[xr]

To keep me from becoming conceited because of the exceptional nature of these revelations, a thornstake">[fn] was given to me and placed in my body.was given to me in the flesh">[fn] It was Satan's messenger to keep on tormenting me so that I would not become conceited.Job 1:2:7; Ezekiel 28:24; Luke 13:16; Galatians 4:13-14;">[xr]

I will be very glad to spend my money and myself for you. Do you love me less because I love you so much?John 10:11; 2 Corinthians 1:6; 6:12-13; Philippians 2:17; Colossians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; 2 Timothy 2:10;">[xr]

I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries, because I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.Jeremiah 9:14; Matthew 15:2; Mark 7:5; Acts 22:3; 26:9; Philippians 3:6;">[xr]