Study Desk

There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours.

For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted in every way—disputes without and fears within.

But God, who consoles the downcast, consoled us by the arrival of Titus,

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

Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance; for you felt a godly grief, so that you were not harmed in any way by us.

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.

So although I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong, nor on account of the one who was wronged, but in order that your zeal for us might be made known to you before God.

For if I have been somewhat boastful about you to him, I was not disgraced; but just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus has proved true as well.

I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others.

And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something—

I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between

But thanks be to God who put in the heart of Titus the same eagerness for you that I myself have.

For he not only accepted our appeal, but since he is more eager than ever, he is going to you of his own accord.

and not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us while we are administering this generous undertaking for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our goodwill.

for we intend to do what is right not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of others.

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

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you may not prove to have been empty in this case, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be;

for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.

I myself, Paul, appeal to 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!—

Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards;