Study Desk

For as concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath incited very many.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or by constraint: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

(As it is written, He hath dispersed; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

Now may he that ministereth seed to the sower, both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God;

While by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution to them, and to all [men];

And by their prayer for you, who long after you, for the exceeding grace of God in you.

Thanks [be] to God for his unspeakable 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 through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

For [his] letters (say they) [are] weighty and powerful; but [his] bodily presence [is] weak, and [his] speech contemptible.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

For we stretch not ourselves beyond [our measure], as though we reached not to you; for we are come as far as to you also in [preaching] the gospel of Christ:

For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].

For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very greatest apostles.

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome to you, and [so] will I keep [myself].