Study Desk

We are also sending someone else with Titus and the other follower. We approve of this man. In fact, he has already shown us many times that he wants to help. And now he wants to help even more than ever, because he trusts you so much.

So I have decided to ask Titus and the others to spend some time with you before I arrive. This way they can arrange to collect the money you have promised. Then you will have the chance to give because you want to, and not because you feel forced to.

God gives seed to farmers and provides everyone with food. He will increase what you have, so that you can give even more to those in need.

Now they are praying for you and want to see you, because God used you to bless them so very much.

Some people have said that we act like the people of this world. So when I arrive, I expect I will have to be firm and forceful in what I say to them. Please don't make me treat you that way.

We won't dare compare ourselves with those who think so much of themselves. But they are foolish to compare themselves with themselves.

So why does it seem strange for Satan's servants to pretend to do what is right? Someday they will get exactly what they deserve.

Yet if others want to brag about what they have done, so will I.

And since you are so smart, you will gladly put up with a fool.

I am ashamed to say that we are too weak to behave in such a way. If they can brag, so can I, but it is a foolish thing to do.

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Jews? So am I. Are they from the family of Abraham? Well, so am I.

The governor of Damascus at the time of King Aretas had the city gates guarded, so that he could capture me.

Of course, I am now referring to the wonderful things I saw. One of Satan's angels was sent to make me suffer terribly, so that I would not feel too proud.

But he replied, "My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am.

So I will gladly give all that I have and all that I am. Will you love me less for loving you too much?

I am writing these things to you before I arrive. This way I won't have to be hard on you when I use the authority that the Lord has given me. I was given this authority, so that I could help you and not destroy you.

Final Warnings and Greetings I am on my way to visit you for the third time. And as the Scriptures say, "Any charges must be proved true by at least two or three witnesses." During my second visit I warned you that I would punish you and anyone else who doesn't stop sinning. I am far away from you now, but I give you the same warning. This should prove to you that I am speaking for Christ. When he corrects you, he won't be weak. He will be powerful! Although he was weak when he was nailed to the cross, he now lives by the power of God. We are weak, just as Christ was. But you will see that we will live by the power of God, just as Christ does. Test yourselves and find out if you really are true to your faith. If you pass the test, you will discover that Christ is living in you. But if Christ isn't living in you, you have failed. I hope you will discover that we have not failed. We pray that you will stop doing evil things. We don't pray like this to make ourselves look good, but to get you to do right, even if we are failures. All we can do is to follow the truth and not fight against it. Even though we are weak, we are glad that you are strong, and we pray that you will do even better. I am writing these things to you before I arrive. This way I won't have to be hard on you when I use the authority that the Lord has given me. I was given this authority, so that I could help you and not destroy you. Good-by, my friends. Do better and pay attention to what I have said. Try to get along and live peacefully with each other. Now I pray that God, who gives love and peace, will be with you. Give each other a warm greeting. All of God's people send their greetings. I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will bless you and be kind to you! May God bless you with his love, and may the Holy Spirit join all your hearts together.

I am shocked that you have so quickly turned from God, who chose you because of his wonderful kindness. You have believed another message,

to show me his Son, so that I would announce his message to the Gentiles. I didn't talk this over with anyone.

Some of them were supposed to be important leaders, but I didn't care who they were. God doesn't have any favorites! None of these so-called special leaders added anything to my message.