Study Desk

Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn't experience any loss from us.

For godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted and leading to salvation, but worldly grief produces death.

So even though I wrote to you, it was not because of the one who did wrong, or because of the one who was wronged, but in order that your diligence for us might be made plain to you in the sight of God.

For if I have made any boast to him about you, I have not been embarrassed; but as I have spoken everything to you in truth, so our boasting to Titus has also turned out to be the truth.

Now I am giving an opinion on this because it is profitable for you, who a year ago began not only to do something but also to desire it.

But now finish the task as well, that just as there was eagerness to desire it, so there may also be a completion from what you have.

It is not that there may be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality—

And not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gift that is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help.

For we are making provision for what is right, not only before the Lord but also before men.

But I sent the brothers so our boasting about you in the matter would not prove empty, and so you would be prepared just as I said.

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God.

Now I, Paul, make a personal appeal to you by the gentleness and graciousness of Christ—I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent.

since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments

For it is said, "His letters are weighty and powerful, but his physical presence is weak, and his public speaking is despicable."

For we don't dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. But in measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding.

We, however, will not boast beyond measure but according to the measure of the area of ministry that God has assigned to us, which reaches even to you.

We are not bragging beyond measure about other people's labors. But we have the hope that as your faith increases, our area of ministry will be greatly enlarged,

For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends.

But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a complete and pure devotion to Christ.

But I will continue to do what I am doing, in order to deny the opportunity of those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as our equals in what they boast about.