⁵ For when we came into Macedonia,^(A) we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn^(B)—conflicts on the outside, fears within.^{(C) 6} But God, who comforts the downcast,^(D) comforted us by the coming of Titus,^{(E) 7} and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

⁸ Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter,^(F) I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— ⁹ yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. ¹⁰ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation^(G) and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. ¹¹ See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern,^(H) what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. ¹² So even though I wrote to you,^(I) it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong^(J) nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. ¹³ By all this we are encouraged.

In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus^(K) was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. ¹⁴ I had boasted to him about you,^(L) and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus^(M) has proved to be true as well. ¹⁵ And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient,^(N) receiving him with fear and trembling.^{(O) 16} I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.^(P)

¹⁸ And we are sending along with him the brother^(A) who is praised by all the churches^(B) for his service to the gospel.^{(C) 19} What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us^(D) as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.^{(E) 20} We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. ²¹ For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.^(F)

²² In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. ²³ As for Titus,^(G) he is my partner^(H) and co-worker^(I) among you; as for our brothers,^(J) they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.

Appointing Elders Who Love What Is Good^(A)

⁵ The reason I left you in Crete^(B) was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint^[a] elders^(C) in every town, as I directed you.