Study Desk

For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;

But thanks be to God who puts [fn] the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord.

Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you;

for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Now may [fn] He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,

while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.

For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,

while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,

and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us [fn] for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed--

"For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."

For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ;