Study Desk

You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say "Yes" when they really mean "No"?

Now I call upon God as my witness that I am telling the truth. The reason I didn't return to Corinth was to spare you from a severe rebuke.

I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me.

I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!

I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while.

Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.

I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you.

I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don't want to be wrong in my boasting about you.

Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ—though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away.

Well, I am begging you now so that when I come I won't have to be bold with those who think we act from human motives.

For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ.

But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Again I say, don't think that I am a fool to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little.

Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool.

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.

If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.

God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, who is worthy of eternal praise, knows I am not lying.

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.