For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end.

knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.

Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.

And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord.

With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel.

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.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Paul Defends His Ministry

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—

For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.”

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.

Paul's Visions and His Thorn

I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.