Study Desk

Nevertheless God, who comforts the meek, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

But it has made me exceedingly happy, not that you were sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance: for you were sorry over the things of God, so that you lack nothing from us.

For sorrow over the things of God causes enduring repentance of the soul, and brings one to life: but sorrow over the things of the world causes death.

For behold that very thing which distressed you on account of God, has resulted much more in painstaking effort, in apology, anger, fear, love, zeal, and vengeance. In all things you have proven yourselves clear in this matter.

Be that as it may, though I wrote to you, I did not do it for the one who had done the wrong nor for the one who had suffered the wrong, but that your painstaking care for us might be known before God.

MOREOVER, our brethren, we want you to know that the grace of God has been bestowed on the churches of Mac-e-do''ni-a :

And this they did, not only as we expected, but first they gave themselves to our LORD, and then to us by the will of God.

Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, in the word of God, in knowledge, in all perseverance, and by our love toward you, you should likewise excel in this gracious favor also.

But thanks be to God, who put the same vigorous care into the heart of Titus for you.

So that he also has been chosen by the churches to travel with us for this relief which is administered by us to the very glory of God and for our own encouragement:

For we are very careful to do the right thing, not only in the presence of God, but also in the presence of men.

So let every man give according to what he has decided in his mind, not grudgingly or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.

God is able to make all goodness abound to you, and may you always have enough of everything for yourselves, and may you abound in every good work:

That you may be enriched in everything, in all liberality, for such generosity enables us to perfect thanksgiving to God.

For the administration of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints, but it also is made abundant by many thanksgivings to God.

By this experiment of charitable service they glorify God in that you have subjected yourselves to the faith of the gospel of Christ, and through your generosity you have become partakers with them and with all men,

And they offer prayer on your behalf with greater love, because of the abundance of the grace of God which has been on you.

Thanks be to God for his incomparable gift.

For the weapons which we use are not earthly weapons, but of the might of God by which we conquer rebellious strongholds;

Casting down imaginations, and every false thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and to capture every thought to the obedience of Christ;