For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;

but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within.

For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true.

But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.

Final Warnings

This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.