Study Desk

I rejoice, because in everything I am completely confident in you.

And I am giving an opinion in this matter, because this is profitable for you who not only began previously, a year ago, to do something, but also to want to do it.

because he not only welcomed our request, but being very earnest, by his own choice he went out to you.

And we are sending with them our brother whom we have tested many times in many things that he is diligent, but now much more diligent because of his great confidence in you.

because I know your readiness to help, concerning which I keep on boasting to the Macedonians about you, that Achaia has been ready to help since last year, and your zeal has stirred up the majority of them.

And God is able to cause all grace to abound to you, so that in everything at all times, because you have enough of everything, you may overflow in every good work.

because the service of this ministry is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but also is overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

Through the proven character of this service they will glorify God because of the submission of your confession to the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your participation toward them and toward everyone,

and they are longing for you in their prayers for you, because of the surpassing grace of God to you.

because it is said, "His letters are severe and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak and his speech is of no account."

For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we had not reached you, because we have reached even as far as you with the gospel of Christ,

For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, because I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself in order that you may be exalted, because I proclaimed the gospel of God to you without payment?

Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!

For because you are wise, you put up with foolish people gladly!

I have been on journeys many times, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers, in dangers from my own people, in dangers from the Gentiles, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers because of false brothers,

For if I want to boast, I will not be foolish, because I will be telling the truth, but I am refraining, so that no one can credit to me more than what he sees in me or hears anything from me,

even because of the extraordinary degree of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, in order that it would torment me so that I would not exalt myself.

And he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, because the power is perfected in weakness." Therefore rather I will boast most gladly in my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may reside in me.

But let it be. I have not been a burden to you, but because I was crafty, I took you by cunning.