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Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia:
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set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
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in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
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We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.
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And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
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For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
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For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.
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We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
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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.
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By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
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And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling.
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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 through his poverty might become rich.
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For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.
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And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.
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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.
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Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
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Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!
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For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.”
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It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
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Paul Boasts About His Sufferings
I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting.
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But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.
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Paul’s Vision and His Thorn
I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.
