Study Desk

For ever since we came to Mac-e-do''ni-a, our bodies have had no rest but have been troubled by everything; war without and fears within.

And not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, for he brought us the good news concerning your love towards us, your mourning and your zeal on our behalf; and when I heard it, I rejoiced exceedingly.

For even though I made you feel sorry with the epistle, I do not regret, even though it has caused sorrow: for I can see that though that very epistle has made you feel sorry, the sorrow was only for an hour.

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.

Therefore we were comforted and with our consolation we rejoiced exceedingly in the joy of Titus, for his spirit was refreshed by you all.

For I was not shamed in the things which I have boasted to him about you; but just as all the things about which we have spoken to you are true, even so our boasting to Titus is found to be true.

For to their power, I can testify, yes, and beyond their power they have shared of their own accord.

And besought us most earnestly that they might be partakers in the gift for the ministration to the saints.

For you know the gracious gift of our LORD Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you, through his poverty, might be rich.

For if there is a willingness to give, every man can give according to that which he has, and not according to that which he has not, and his gift will be acceptable.

But that there may be an equality at this particular time, that your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want, that there may be equality.

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

For indeed he has accepted our appeal; and because he was very desirous, he went to you of his own accord.

And we have also sent with him our brother, who has received praise throughout all the churches for his preaching of the gospel;

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.

CONCERNING the ministration to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you.