There is little doubt that Paul was the author of this, the Second Canonical Letter of his letters to the Corinthians; and it is likely that he was assisted in its writing by Timothy. In fact, Paul appears to have written four letter to the Christian congregations at Corinth. The first of these, known to scholars as the 'warning letter' or the 'previous letter', at an unknown date; the second, the First Canonical Letter at Easter 57. A.D.; the third, the 'severe letter' or the letter 'written in agony of mind', composed a little later in 57 A.D., after he had made a brief and painful visit to Corinth; and the fourth, the Second Canonical Letter, that he wrote towards the end of 57 A.D., which is the letter translated below. He appears to have written it somewhere in Macedonia, having left Ephesus following some disturbance there.
The context for the writing of 2 Corinthians was the infiltration of the Corinthian congregations by false teachers who were challenging both Paul's authority as an apostle and his personal integrity. These pseudo-apostles were alleging that, because Paul had made some changes to his travelling plans, he was not to be trusted, and that he was lining his own pockets with the money which the Corinthian congregations had collected for the support of the Christian poor of Jerusalem, the so-called 'saints' or 'holy ones'. In 2 Corinthians Paul maintains passionately that his personal life among them had always been strictly honourable and that his message of salvation through Jesus was true. He then urges the Corinthians to prepare for his forthcoming visit by completing the collection for the 'holy ones', which they had commenced in the previous year, and to confront the troublemakers in their midst.
The basic structure of 2 Corinthians is as follows:
The basic structure of 2 Corinthians is as follows:
Chs. 1-7: Apologetic: Paul's explanation of his conduct and apostleship;
Chs. 10-13: Polemical: his vindication of his apostolic authority in the face of his critics.
With regard to the structural coherence of this epistle a number of issues arise. Firstly, chapter 6.14 to chapter 7.1 appears to be an insertion, and, indeed, 7.2 follows 6.13 quite naturally; in this context, it has been suggested that 6.14 - 7.1 is a fragment of the lost first letter. A further anomaly is the way in which the relatively affable tone of the first nine chapters contrasts with the vehemently reproachful nature of chapters 10-13, and it has been suggested that these four chapters were a part of the letter 'written in agony of mind'. In addition to these two significant structural dislocations there is the evident anomaly of verse 9.1, in which Paul says it is unnecessary for him to write to the Corinthians, when in fact he has done just that in the First Epistle. Here, it has been suggested that chapter 9 was part of a separate note to the churches of Achaia, and that it was only joined to the rest of 2 Corinthians when the apostle's writings were being collated on a later occasion. With regard to these apparently legitimate queries about the unity of this epistle, biblical tradition has unanimously affirmed its integrity, and no early Greek manuscripts show any variations to its structure.
While 2 Corinthians has perhaps less purple passages than its immediate predecessor to inspire Christians, the first six chapters provide a magnificent statement concerning the dignity of the apostle's mission. Chapter 4 is an especially moving passage, with some memorable verses (see the appendix below).
At the end of this translation, Sabidius has followed his usual practice, in relation to his translation of Paul's letters, of providing a list of quotations. In each case, he has provided the words firstly in the original Greek, then a version in Latin according to the "Vulgate", and then the translation according to the Authorised Version of the Bible.
CHAPTER 1.
Salutation (vv. 1-2).
(1) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through God's will, and Timothy, our brother, to the congregation of God that is in Corinth, together with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia; (2) grace and peace (be) to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The God of all comfort: thanksgiving for divine comfort in affliction (vv. 3-11).
(3) Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion, and the God of all comfort, (4) who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we can comfort those in every (sort of) tribulation through the comfort with which we, ourselves, are being comforted by God. (5) "For, just as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so also does our comfort flow in abundance through Christ" (vid. Psalms 34.19; 94.19). (6) Now, if we are afflicted, (it is) for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, (it is) for your comfort, which is reflected in your endurance of the same misfortunes from which we also are suffering. (7) And our hope for you is firm; for we know that you are sharers of these sufferings, just as (you are) also (sharers) of the comfort.
(8) For we do not wish you to be unaware, brothers, of the tribulation which happened to us in Asia, since we were burdened completely beyond our strength, so that we were even in despair of our lives; (9) in fact, within ourselves, (we felt that) we, ourselves, had received the sentence of death, so that we might not trust in ourselves, but in the God who raises the dead; (10) from so great a death he has delivered us, and he will deliver (us). (11) You can also join in helping (us) by your supplication on our behalf, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf for the gracious favour (granted) to us through (the prayers) of (so) many persons.
Paul's change of plans, and the integrity of his motives and conduct (vv. 12-24).
(12) For the (thing that) we boast of is this, the testimony of our conscience that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially (in our behaviour) towards you, in the holiness and sincerity of God, and not in the wisdom of the flesh, but in (accordance with) God's grace; (13) for we are not writing to you anything other than what you know well and accept, and I hope that you will (continue to) accept (it) to the end, (14) and, just as you have recognised, to some extent, in our case, that we are (something) for you to boast about, so we (shall) also (boast) of you on the day of our Lord Jesus.
(15) And, with this confidence in mind, I was originally intending to come to you, so that you might have two (occasions for) joy, (16) and to go to Macedonia after staying with you, and (then) to come back to you again from Macedonia, and be escorted by you to Judea. (17) So, as I was planning this, did I perhaps proceed with some fickleness? Or (the things) that I plan, do I plan (them) in a worldly manner, so that in my case there should be a "No, no" and a "Yes, yes"? (18) But God (can be) trusted that our speech that (is addressed) to you is not "Yes and No"; (19) For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us, (that is) by me, and Silvanus (i.e. he is called Silas in "The Acts") and Timothy was not "Yes and No", but in his case was (always) "Yes"; (20) For however many are the promises of God, they have become "Yes" in him; and so through him the "Amen" (is said) by us to the glory of God. (21) Now, (he) who makes us stand firm with you in Christ, and has anointed us (is) God. (22) He has also put his seal upon us, and and given (us) the pledge of his Spirit in our hearts.
(23) But I call upon God (as) a witness to my soul that it was to spare you that I have not yet come to Corinth. (24) Not that we are the masters of your faith, but we are fellow-workers with (you) in your joy, for you have stood firm in your faith.
CHAPTER 2.
Paul's change of plans, and the integrity of his motives and conduct (cont.) (vv. 1-4).
(1) For I made up my mind not to come to you again in sadness; (2) for, if I cause you distress, then who (is there) to cheer me except (someone) who is made sad by me? (3) And so I wrote this very (thing to you), so that, when I came, I should not derive sorrow from (those) in whom I ought to rejoice, as I have confidence in all of you that my joy comes from all of you. (4) For out of much tribulation and anguish of heart I wrote to you in the midst of many tears, not so that you might be saddened, but so that you might know the love that I have in such abundance for you.
Forgiveness for the sinner (vv. 5-11).
(5) Now, if anyone has caused distress, he has caused distress not (just) to me, but to some extent to all of you - not to be too harsh (in what I have to say). This punishment, (given) by the majority, (is quite) enough for (a man) such (as he is), so that, on the contrary, you should now forgive and comfort (him), so that such a man should not be devoured by excessive grief. (8) So, I am appealing to you to confirm your love for him. (9) For to this (end) also I wrote, so that I might know your character, (and to see) if you are obedient in all (things). (10) (If) you kindly forgive anyone anything, I do too; for whatever I have kindly forgiven, if I have kindly forgiven anything, (I have done so) for your sake in the sight of Christ, (11) so that we may not be outwitted by Satan, for we are not unaware of his designs.
God's direction in the ministry (vv. 12-17).
(12) Now, when I came to Troas, to (declare) the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, (13) I got no relief for my spirit, as I did not find my brother Titus, but I took my leave of them and went out to Macedonia.
(14) But thanks (be) to God, who always leads us in triumph in (the company of) Christ, and reveals through us the fragrance of the knowledge of him in every place; (15) for we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ in those who are saved and in those who perish: (16) to the latter (we are) the stench of death (leading) to death, to the former (we are) the fragrance of life (leading) to life. And who is sufficiently (qualified) for these (things)? (17) (We are!) For we are not peddling the word of God for profit, as (so) many (are doing), but, out of sincerity, yes, (sent) from God, (and) in the sight of God, we are are speaking in (company with) Christ.
CHAPTER 3.
Ministers of the New Covenant (vv. 1-6).
(1) Are we starting to recommend ourselves once more? Or do we need, as some (people) do, letters of recommendation to you or from you? (2) You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men. (3) It is known that you are a letter from Christ, delivered by us, and inscribed not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on "tablets of stone" (vid. Exodus 24.12; 31.18; 34.1, Deuteronomy 9.10,11), but "on tablets that are the hearts of men" (vid. Proverbs 3.3; 7.3; Jeremiah 31.33; Ezekiel 11.19; 36.26).
(4) Now, through Christ we have such confidence towards God. (5) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to reckon anything as (coming) from ourselves, but our sufficiency (comes) from God, (6) who has also made us sufficiently qualified to be ministers of "a new covenant" (vid. Exodus 24.8; Jeremiah 31.31; 32.40), not of the letter, but of the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
The New Covenant's superior glory (vv. 7-18).
(7) Now, if the ministry of death engraved in letters on stones, came in glory, so that "the children of Israel could not gaze intently on the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, fading (though it was)" (vid. Exodus 34.29-30), (8) how much more glorious will be the service of the Spirit, will it not? (9) For, if "the ministry of condemnation" (vid. Deuteronomy 27.26) (was) glorious, how much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory. (10) For even "that which was (once) glorified" (vid. Exodus 34. 29-30) has (now), to some extent, lost its glory, on account of the glory that surpasses (it); (11) for, if that which is fading has glory, how much greater is the glory of that which remains.
(12) So, having such hope, we are engaging in great freedom of speech, (13) and not acting like when "Moses put a veil on his face" (vid. Exodus 34. 33, 35), so that the children of Israel should not gaze intently at the end of something which was transitory. (14) But their minds were hardened. For, until this very day, the same veil remains in place at the reading of the covenant, because it is (only) set aside by means of Christ. (15) But right up to this day, whenever Moses may be read, a veil lies upon their hearts; (16) "but, whenever one turns to the Lord" (vid. Exodus 34.34), the veil is removed. (17) Now, the Lord is Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord (is), (there is) freedom. (18) But all of us, with unveiled faces reflecting as in a mirror "the glory of the Lord" (vid. Exodus 16.7; 24.17), are transformed into his likeness, (going) from glory to glory, just like the Spirit of the Lord.
CHAPTER 4.
The light of the good news (vv. 1-6).
(1) Therefore, as we have this ministry in accordance with the mercy we have been shown, we do not lose heart, (2) but we have renounced secret and shameful (ways) (i.e. the conduct of the false teachers in Corinth), not walking in craftiness nor falsifying the word of God, but commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God by the manifestation of the truth, (3) but, even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled among those who are lost, (4) in whom the God of this world (i.e. the Devil) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine (upon them). (5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves (as) your servants for Jesus' sake. (6) For (it is) God who said, "Let the light shine out of darkness" (vid. Genesis 1.3: Isaiah 9.2), and he has shone in our hearts to (bring us) the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Treasure in earthen vessels (vv. 7-15).
(7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the exceeding greatness of the power may be God's and not (be coming) from us. (8) (We are) troubled on every side, but not crushed, (we are) perplexed, but not in despair, (we are) persecuted, but not forsaken, (we are) cast down but not destroyed, (10) always bearing about in our body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made manifest in our body; (11) for we who are (still) alive, are always being brought face to face with death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. (12) So then, death is at work in us, but life in you.
(13) Now, because we have the same spirit of faith as that of which it is written, "I believed (and) therefore have I spoken" (Psalms 116. 10), we also believe, (and) therefore we also speak, (14) as we know that (he) who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up together with Jesus, and bring (us to himself) together with you. (15) For all these (things are) for your benefit, in order that the grace, which is multiplying through the thanksgiving of more and more (people), should abound to the glory of God.
Living by faith (vv. 16-18).
(16) Therefore, we do not lose heart, but even if our outward man is wasting away, yet our inward (man) is being renewed day by day. (17) For the momentary lightness of our affliction is working for us an everlasting weight of glory that is beyond all measure and description, (18) (for) we keep our eyes not on the (things) that are seen, but on the (things) that are not seen, for the (things) that are seen (are) temporal, but the (things) that are not seen (are) eternal.
CHAPTER 5.
Living by faith (cont.) (vv. 1-10).
(1) For we know that, if "our earthly house of this tent" (vid. Job 4.19) should be demolished, we do have a building from God, an everlasting house in the heavens not made by (human) hands. (2) For meanwhile, we do indeed groan, as we long to put on our habitation from heaven as well, (3) so that if indeed we are clothed in (it), we shall not be found naked. (4) For we who are in this tent do indeed groan, weighed down (as we are), because we do not wish to be stripped of (it), but to be clothed in it too, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. (5) Now, (he) who has designed us for this very (purpose is) God, and he has given us the pledge of the Spirit.
(6) So we are always full of confidence, and we know that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord, (7) for we are walking by faith, not by sight. (8) But we are full of confidence, and are now more than ever delighted to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord; (9) so we also aspire, whether we are at home (in the body) or absent (from it) (i.e. alive or dead), to be well pleasing to him. (10) "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each (one of us) may receive his (due) for what he did while in the body, whether good or bad" (vid. Ecclesiastes 12.14).
The ministry of reconciliation (vv. 11-21).
(11) So, knowing the fear of the Lord, we (try to) persuade men, but what we are is made plain to God; but I also hope that we are made plain to your consciences. (12) (For) we are not commending ourselves to you again, but we are giving you an opportunity to show your pride in us, so you may have (an answer) for those who boast about what appears to be the case, and not (what is) in their hearts. (13) For, if we are out of our minds, (it is) for God; if we are of sound mind, (it is) for you. (14) For the love of Christ impels us, because we judge as follows, that one (man) died for all; so all (men) died; (15) indeed he died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for (the one) who died for (them) and was raised up.
(16) Therefore, from now (on) we know no one according to the flesh; even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know (him thus) no longer. (17) Therefore, if anyone (is) in Christ, (he is) a new creation; "the old (things) have passed away, behold new (things) have come" (vid. Isaiah 43.18); (18) but all things (come) from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, (19) namely, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not holding their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
(20) "Therefore, we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ" (vid. Isaiah 52.7), as though God were appealing (to you) through us; we beg (you) on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (21) He made the (one) who knew no sin (a victim of) sin on our behalf, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
CHAPTER 6.
The ministry of reconciliation (cont.) (vv. 1-2).
(1) As his fellow-workers, we also entreat you not to receive the grace of God in vain; (2) for he says "At a favourable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you" (Isaiah 49.8); look, now (is) an especially favourable time, look, now (is) the day of salvation.
The hardships of Paul's ministry (vv. 3-13).
(3) We are putting no stumbling blocks in anyone's (path), in order that our ministry may not be criticised, (4) but in everything we show ourselves ministers of God, by our great endurance, in our tribulations, in our necessities, in our difficulties, (5) in beatings, in prisons, in riots, in toils, in sleeplessness, in fasting, in purity, in knowledge, in long-suffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, (7) in truthful speech, in the power of God; through the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, (8) through glory and dishonour, through a bad reputation and good repute; as impostors and true (believers), (9) as unknown and yet we are recognised, as dying and yet look! we are alive, as "punished and yet not put to death" (vid. Psalms 118. 18), (10) as sorrowful but always rejoicing, as (being) poor but enriching (others), as having nothing but yet possessing everything.
(11) Our mouth has been opened to you, Corinthians; (12) you are not restricted by us; you are restricted by your own affections; (13) and now, in a fair exchange - I speak as though to my children - , you should open out your hearts.
The temple of the living God (vv. 14-18).
(14) Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers; for what association (can there be) between righteousness and iniquity, and what fellowship (can there be) between light and darkness? (15) For what harmony (can exist) between Christ and Belial, or what (can) a believer (have) in common with an unbeliever? (16) And what agreement (can there be) between a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God has said, "I shall dwell among them and walk among them, and I shall be their God and they will be my people" (Leviticus 26.12: Jeremiah 32.38; Ezekiel 37.27). (17) Therefore, "come out from from their midst, and set yourselves apart (from them), says the Lord, and do not touch any unclean thing; then I will receive you" (vid. Isaiah 52.11; Ezekiel 20.34,41); (18) and "I shall be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters" (vid. 2 Samuel 7.8,14; Isaiah 43.6; Jeremiah 31.9), says the "Lord Almighty" (vid. Amos 3.13).
CHAPTER 7.
The temple of the living God (cont.) (v.1).
(1) So, having these promises, my dear (ones), let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Paul's joy over the Corinthians (vv. 2-4).
(2) Make room for us (in your hearts); we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. (3) I do not say (this) to condemn (you), for I have said before that you are in our hearts, so that we live together, and we die together with (you). (4) I (have) great confidence in you, great (is) my pride with regard to you; I am filled with encouragement, (and) I am overflowing with joy in all our afflictions.
Titus brings a good report (vv. 5-7).
(5) For, even when we came into Macedonia, our flesh had no relief, but we had troubles on every (side) - fights without, fears within - , (6) but "God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us" (vid. Isaiah 49.13) by the arrival of Titus; (7) yet (we were comforted) not only by his presence, but also by the encouragement with which he had been encouraged concerning you, as he reported to us of your longing, your deep concern, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.
Godly sadness and repentance (vv. 8-16).
(8) Because, even if I did distress you by my letter, I do not regret (having done so). Even if I did regret (it at first) - for I see that that letter did distress you, even if (only) for a little while - , (9) now I am glad, not because you were distressed, but because your distress (led) to your repentance, for you were distressed in a godly manner, so that you might not suffer loss through us in anything. (10) For distress in a godly manner brings about a repentance that leads to salvation (and is) not to be regretted; "but worldly distress ends in death" (vid. Sirach 38.18). (11) For behold, this very (thing), your being caused distress in a godly manner, what diligence it produced in you, what defence, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what (a desire for) justice; in every (respect) you showed yourselves beyond reproach in this matter. (12) So, although I did write to you, (it was) not for the sake of (the one) who did wrong, nor yet for the sake of (the one) who was wronged, but for the sake of your concern for us being revealed to you in the sight of God. (13) For this reason, I have been (much) encouraged.
In addition to this encouragement of ours, we rejoiced all the more abundantly in Titus' joy, (now) that his spirit has been revived by all of you. (14) For, if I have, in any way, boasted to him on your behalf, I have not been put to shame, but, as we have said everything to you in truth, so also our boasting to Titus has proved true. (15) His affections for you are more abundant when he remembers the obedience of you all, as you received him with fear and trembling. (16) I rejoice because in all (respects) I am in good heart because of you.
CHAPTER 8.
The need for generous giving (vv. 1-15).
(1) Now we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God, which has been bestowed upon the congregations of Macedonia, (2) in that, during the great trial of their tribulation, the abundance of their joy and the depth of their poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. (3) I can testify that they have made this gift of their own accord, according to their capacity and well beyond their capacity, (4) (and) that they kept begging us with much entreaty for the privilege of giving and sharing the ministry to the holy ones - (5) and it was not (merely) as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God. (6) We urged Titus, that as he had made a beginning, so he should also bring to completion that gift of grace; (7) but, just as you are abounding in everything, - faith, and eloquence, and understanding, and all diligence, and our love for you, (see ) that you also excel in this graceful giving.
(8) I speak, not by way of a commandment, but in accordance with the zeal of others, and so as to prove the sincerity of your love. (9) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, in that, although he was rich, he made himself poor for your sake, so that through his poverty you might become rich.
(10) And in this (matter) I give an opinion; for this is of benefit to you, who a year ago not only initiated the action but also the desire (for it). But now you should complete the action, so that just as (there was) a readiness to be willing, so also (there should be) a completion of what you have. (12) "For, if the readiness is there, (it is) acceptable according to whatever (a person) may have, not according to what a person does not have" (vid. Proverbs 3.27-28). (13) For (it is) not that (it should be) easy for others, (but) hard for you; but (there should be) a fair balance. (14) Your surplus at the present time (may offset) their deficiency, in order that their surplus may also offset your deficiency, so that equality may occur; (15) As it is written, "(He) who had much did not have too much, and (he) who had little did not have too little" (Exodus 16.18).
Titus and his companions are recommended (vv. 16-24).
(16) Now thanks (be) to God for putting the same devotion (as I have) for you into the heart of Titus, (17) because he has responded to my appeal, but, being very eager, he has gone off to you of his own accord. (18) Now we have sent out together with him the brother (i.e probably Luke, but possibly Barnabas) whose praise with regard to the gospel (has spread) through all the congregations, - (19) not only (that), but he was also appointed by the congregations (as) our travelling companion in relation to this generous gift which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord and as (proof of) our eagerness (to help). (20) We are arranging this, so that no one should find fault with us (in the way) in which this liberal contribution is being administered by us, (21) "for we are being careful to do the right (thing), not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of man" (vid. Proverbs 3.4).
(22) Moreover, we are sending with them our brother (n.b. he cannot be identified), whom we have often proved to be zealous in many (things), but now much more zealous due to his great confidence in you. (23) If there is any question about Titus, (he is) my partner and fellow-worker on your behalf; if it is about our brothers, (they are) apostles of the congregations, (which are) the glory of Christ. (24) Therefore, you should demonstrate to them before the face of the congregations the proof of your love and of our boasting about you.
CHAPTER 9.
Titus and his companions are recommended (cont.) (vv. 1-5).
(1) Now, concerning the ministry to the holy (ones), it is (quite) unnecessary for me to write to you, (2) for I am (well) aware of your enthusiasm, and I boast of this on your behalf, that Achaia has been ready since last year, and that your zeal has fired up the majority (of them). (3) But I have sent the brothers, that our boasting on your behalf may not prove hollow in this respect, so that you may be prepared yourselves, just as I said (you would be), so that, if perhaps (some of) the Macedonians should come with me and found you unprepared, we, to say nothing of you, should not be put to shame in this understanding (of ours). (5) Therefore, I considered (it) necessary to urge the brothers to come to you in advance, and get ready the bountiful gift which had previously been promised, so that it may be kept in readiness as a gift and not as an imposition.
Motivation for giving (vv. 6-15).
(6) "Now, (remember) this, (he) who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (vid. Proverbs 11.24; 22.9). (7) (Let) each (man) (do) as he has determined in his heart, not with reluctance or out of compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(8) But God can make all his grace abound towards you, so that, while you always have all sufficiency in everything, your resources may abound for every good work; (9) as it is written, "He has distributed widely, he has given to the poor, (and) his righteousness remains forever" (Psalms 112.9). (10) "Now (he) who supplies seed to the sower and bread for eating" (vid. Isaiah 55.10) will supply and multiply the seed for you (to sow), and increase "the fruits of your righteousness" (vid. Hosea 10.12); (11) in every (respect) you will be rich (enough) for every (kind of) generous act, which brings about through us a thanksgiving to God, - (12) because the ministry of this public service aims not only to replenish the deficiencies of the holy (ones), but also to be overflowing with many expressions of thanks to God. (13) Through the proof that this service (gives), they glorify God for the obedience (which you show) in your confession of the gospel of Christ, and in the generosity of your contribution to them and to all. (14) And in their supplication on your behalf they long for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
(15) (Now,) thanks (be) to God for his gift that is beyond all telling (i.e. our redemption).
CHAPTER 10.
Paul defends his ministry (vv. 1-18).
(1) Now, I, Paul, appeal to you personally, by the humility and gentleness of Christ, (I, the one) who is (so) humble when he is present among you, but (so) full of courage towards you, when he is away (from you). (2) But I beg that I should not have to assert myself when I am (actually) with you, (or display) the self-confidence on which I am counting when I confront all those who reckon that we are living in accordance with worldly standards. (3) For, though we live in the world, we do not do battle as the world does, - (4) for the weapons of our warfare (are) not of this world, but they do have the power of God to demolish fortresses, - (5) (for we are) demolishing arguments and every presumptuous notion that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to (make) it obedient to Christ, (6) and we are holding (ourselves) in readiness to punish all disobedience once your own obedience has become complete.
(7) Look at things face to face. If anyone convinces himself that he belongs to Christ, let him ponder this again within his own mind that we also (belong) to Christ just as (he) himself (does). (8) For if ever I should boast a little too much about the authority that the Lord gave us to build (you) up and not to pull (you) down, I shall not feel ashamed that I do not seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters; (10) for they say, "His letters (are) weighty and forceful, but his bodily presence (is) weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such a (person) consider this, that what we are in word by our letters when absent, so we shall also be in action when present.
(12) For we do not venture to class (ourselves) or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves; but they who measure themselves in relation to themselves, and who compare themselves with themselves, have no understanding. (13) But we shall not boast beyond what cannot be (properly) measured, but in accordance with the size of the assignment that God had given to us, the extent (of which) reaches even as far as you. (14) For we have not overextended ourselves, as (we would have done) if we had not come to you, for we were (the first) to come as far as you with the gospel of Christ. (15) (So) we are not boasting beyond what can be (properly) measured in relation to the labours of others, but we do have the hope that, as your faith increases, we may grow great in accordance with the greatness of our assignment, (16) so as to preach the gospel to places beyond you, not to boast about what has already been done in someone else's territory. (17) "But (he) that boasts, let him boast in the Lord" (Jeremiah 9.24); (18) For the one (who) is approved, (is) not (he) who commends himself, but (he) whom the Lord commends.
CHAPTER 11.
Paul and the false apostles (vv. 1-15).
(1) I do wish you would put up with my foolishness just a little; but, in fact, you are putting up with me. (2) For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God, for I have betrothed you to one man so that I might present (you) to Christ (as) a chaste virgin; (3) but I am afraid that somehow, "just as the serpent seduced Eve by its cunning" (vid. Genesis 3.13), your minds might be led astray from the sincerity and the purity that are in Christ. (4) For, if (someone) who comes preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or (if) you receive a different spirit, which (was) not (the one) you did receive, or a different gospel, which (was) not (the one) you did accept, you go along (with it) all too readily. (5) For I consider that I am in no way inferior to your superfine apostles; (6) but, even if (I am) untrained in speech, I am certainly not in relation to my knowledge, as I have demonstrated to you in every (respect) at all (times).
(7) Or did I commit a sin (by) humbling myself so that you might be exalted, in that I preached the gospel of God to you (as) a free gift? (8) (Apparently) I was robbing other congregations (by) taking a salary (from them) in order to serve you, (9) and yet, when I was present with you and was in need, I was no burden to anyone; for the brothers from Macedonia provided for my every need, and I kept myself as being no burden to you in every respect, and I shall keep (myself so). (10) It is Christ's truth in my (case) that this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. (11) For what reason? Because I do not love you? God knows (I do).
(12) Now, I shall go on doing what I am doing at present, so that I may remove the pretext of those wanting the opportunity to prove that, in relation to (the matters) about which they boast, they may be found (to be) just like us. (13) For such (men are) false apostles, deceitful workers masquerading as Christ's apostles. (14) And no wonder, for Satan himself is masquerading as an angel of light. (15) (It is) no great (thing) if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, and their end will be in accordance with their works.
Paul's sufferings as an apostle (vv. 16-33).
(16) I say again, let no one think I am foolish; but if you really do (think that), then treat me as a fool, so that I, too, can do some little boasting; (17) what I say, I say not according to the Lord, but out of foolishness and in the reality of what I am boasting about. (18) Since many (people) boast according to worldly standards, I too shall boast (in that way). (19) For you suffer fools gladly, being (so) wise (yourselves); (20) for you put up whoever enslaves you, whoever consumes (what you have), whoever grabs (your possessions), whoever lords it over (you), whoever slaps you in the face. (21) I say this to our shame, perhaps because we have been weak.
If anyone is bold in anything - I am speaking foolishly - , I am also bold (in it). (22) Are they Hebrews? I (am one) too. Are they Israelites: I (am one) also. Are they the seed of Abraham? So (am) I. (23) Are they servants of Christ? I (am one) even more: to a greater degree in labours, to a greater degree in prisons, surpassingly in stripes, frequently (exposed) to death. (24) Five times I received from the Jews "forty (stripes) less one" (vid. Deuteronomy 25.3), (25) three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I have been shipwrecked, and I have been on the open sea for a night and a day; (26) often on journeys (I have been) in danger from rivers, from robbers, in danger from my own race, in danger from gentiles, in danger in towns, in danger in deserts, in danger at sea, in danger from false apostles, (27) in toil and hardship, often in sleeplessness, in hunger and in thirst, often in fastings, in cold and nakedness.
(28) Besides those things which are external, (there is) the pressure (that comes) upon me on a daily basis, (that is), my anxiety for all the congregations. (29) (If) someone (is) weak, am I not weak as well? (If) someone is made to stumble, do I not burn inwardly too?
(30) If boast I must, I will boast of the things (that concern) my weakness. (31) The God and father of our Lord Jesus, he who is forever blessed, knows that I am not lying. (32) In Damascus, King Aretas' governor, (who) was keeping watch over the city of the Damascenes, (came) to arrest me, (33) and I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall, and slipped through his hands.
CHAPTER 12.
Visions and revelations (vv. 1-10).
(1) I have to boast: it will do (me) no good, but I shall come on to visions and revelations of the Lord. (2) I know a man in (union with) Christ (i.e. Paul, himself), (and) fourteen years ago - whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know, God knows - this man was caught up into the third (i.e. the highest) heaven. (3) Yes, I know such a man - whether in the body or outside of the body, I do not know, God knows, (4) - (and) that he was caught up into paradise and heard unutterable words which (it is) not lawful for a man to speak. (5) About such a man I will boast, but I will not boast about myself, except in relation to my weaknesses. (6) For, even if I should want to boast, I will not be foolish, for I shall speak the truth; but I refrain, lest anyone should credit me with more than what he sees in me or hears from me, (7) just because of the extraordinary nature of the revelations.
Therefore, in order that I might not get above myself, I was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, (so to speak), to torment me, so that I should not become conceited. (8) Concerning this (thing), I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me; (9) and yet he said to me, "My grace is enough for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness." So most gladly will I glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (10) Therefore, I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in constraints, in persecutions and tribulations, for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then am I strong.
Paul's fears and anxieties for the Corinthians (vv. 11-21).
(11) I have become foolish; (but) you forced me into being (so); for I ought to have been commended by you. For I did not fall short of your superfine apostles in anything, even if I am nothing. (12) indeed, (all) the marks of an apostle have been put to work among you with all perseverance, and by signs, and by wonders, and by demonstrations of power. (13) For in what way is it that you were worsted by the rest of the congregations, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Kindly forgive this wrong.
(14) Look, this (is) the third (time) that I am ready to come to you, and I shall not be a burden (to you); for I seek not your possessions but you, for children ought not to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. (15) Yet, I will most gladly spend (what I have) and exhaust myself on behalf of your souls. If I should love you (so) much more, should I be loved any the less? (16) Be that as it may, I did not burden you; but (you say) I was crafty and caught you by trickery. (17) (As for) anyone (of those) whom I have dispatched to you, I didn't take advantage of you through him, (did I)? (18) I summoned Titus, and I sent the brother with (him); Titus didn't take advantage of you, (did he)? Did we not walk in the same spirit? (Did we) not (walk) in the same footsteps?
(19) Have you been thinking all this time that we have been making excuses to you? We are speaking before God, in (the cause of) Christ. But all things, beloved (ones), are for your edification. (20) For I am afraid that, somehow, when I come, I may find that you are not such as I should wish, and I may appear to you not such as you would wish, so that somehow (there will be) strife, jealousy, fits of rage, disputes, slanders, gossiping, arrogance, unruliness, so that, when I come again, my God shall humble me before you, and I may lament over many of those who have formerly sinned, but have not repented of the uncleanness, sexual immorality, and licentiousness which they have practised.
CHAPTER 13.
Final warnings (vv. 1-10).
(1) This is the third time I am coming to you. "Every charge can (only) be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses" (Deuteronomy 19.15). (2) I have said previously, and, although I am absent now, I also say in advance what (I did), when I was present the second (time), to those who have sinned and to all the rest, that, whenever I come again, I shall not spare (any of you), (3) since you seek a proof of Christ, who is speaking in me; he is not weak towards you, but is powerful among you, (4) for he was crucified on account of his weakness, but he lives on account of the power of God. For we also are weak, but we shall live with him, owing to the power of God with regard to you.
(5) Keep putting yourselves to the test, (to see) whether you are in the faith, keep examining yourselves; or do you yourselves not recognise that Jesus Christ (is) in you? - unless, indeed, you fail the test. (6) But I hope that you will recognise that we do not fail the test.
(7) Now, we pray to God that you do no evil, not so that we shall appear to have passed the test, but so that you may do what (is) right, even (if) we may fail the test. (8) For we cannot do anything against the truth, but (only) for the sake of the truth. (9) For we rejoice when we are weak, but you are strong; this we also pray for, (namely) your perfection. (10) That (is) why I am writing these (things) when I am absent, so that, when I am present, I may not act severely, in accordance with the authority which the Lord had given me to build (things) up and not to tear (them) down.
Greetings and good wishes (vv. 11-13).
(11) Finally, brothers, rejoice, be prepared, be encouraging, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. (12) Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy (ones) send you their greetings.
(13) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (be) with you all.
APPENDIX: QUOTATIONS FROM ST. PAUL'S SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS
Listed below are 17 quotations taken from the above text. In each case, the words are given in the original Greek, followed by a translation from the Latin Vulgate, and the English of the traditional Authorised Version of the Bible. Where the wording of the latter may be somewhat opaque, the reader can of course consult the translation above for an alternative, and hopefully more readable, version.
1) iii. 3:
οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις ἀλλ᾽ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις.
non in tabulis lapideis sed in tabulis cordis carnalibus.
not in tablets of stone, but in flashy tables of the heart.
2) iii. 5-6:
οὐχ ὅτι ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτῶν ἱκανοί ἐσμεν λογίσασθαί τι ὡς ἐξ αὑτῶν, ἀλλ᾽ ἡ ἱκανότης ἡμῶν ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ, ὃς καὶ ἱκάνωσεν ἡμᾶς διακόνους καινῆς διαθήκης, οὐ γράμματος ἀλλὰ πνεύματος, τὸ γὰρ γράμμα ἀποκτείνει, τὸ δὲ πνεῦμα ζωοποιεῖ.
non quod sufficientes simus cogitare aliquid a nobis quasi ex nobis sed sufficientia nostra ex Deo est / qui et idoneos nos fecit ministros novi testamenti non litterae sed Spiritus littera enim occidit Spiritus autem vivificat
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; / Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
3) iv. 7:
Ἔχομεν δὲ τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν
habemus autem thesaurum istum in vasis fictilibus
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels
4) iv. 8:
ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι ἀλλ᾽ οὐ στενοχωρούμενοι, ἀπορούμενοι ἀλλ᾽ οὐκ ἐξαπορούμενοι
in omnibus tribulationem patimur sed non angustiamur, aporiamur sed non destituimur
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.
5) iv. 18:
μὴ σκοπούντων ἡμῶν τὰ βλεπόμενα ἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα, τὰ γὰρ βλεπόμενα πρόσκαιρα, τὰ δὲ μὴ βλεπόμενα αἰώνια.
non contemplantibus nobis quae videntur sed quae non videntur quae enim videntur temporalia sunt, quae autem non videntur aeterna sunt.
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
6) v. 1:
οἴδαμεν γὰρ ὅτι ἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ, οἰκοδομὴν ἐκ θεοῦ ἔχομεν οἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς.
scimus enim quoniam si terrestris domus nostra huius habitationis dissolvatur, quod aedificationem ex Deo habeamus domum non manufactam aeternam in caelis.
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
7) v. 7:
διὰ πίστεως γὰρ περιπατοῦμεν οὐ διὰ εἴδους
per fidem enim ambulamus et non per speciem
For we walk by faith, not by sight
8) v. 17:
ὥστε εἴ τις ἐν Χριστῷ, καινὴ κτίσις: τὰ ἀρχαῖα παρῆλθεν, ἰδοὺ γέγονεν καινά.
si qua ergo in Christo, nova creatura: vetera transierunt, ecce facta sunt nova.
Therefore if any man be in Christ; he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.
9) v. 20:
Ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν
pro Christo ergo legationem fungimur
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ
10) vi. 2:
λέγει γάρ Καιρῷ δεκτῷ ἐπήκουσά σουκαὶ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ σωτηρίας ἐβοήθησά σοι:
ἰδοὺ νῦν καιρὸς εὐπρόσδεκτος, ἰδοὺ νῦν ἡμέρα σωτηρίας
ait enim tempore accepto exaudivi te et in die salutis adiuvavi te: ecce nunc tempus acceptabile, ecce nunc dies salutis
For he saith I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.
11) vi. 9-10:
ὡς ἀγνοούμενοι καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι, ὡς ἀποθνήσκοντες καὶ ἰδοὺ ζῶμεν, ὡς παιδευόμενοι καὶ μὴ θανατούμενοι,/ ὡς λυπούμενοι ἀεὶ δὲ χαίροντες, ὡς πτωχοὶ πολλοὺς δὲ πλουτίζοντες, ὡς μηδὲν ἔχοντες καὶ πάντα κατέχοντες.
sicut qui ignoti et cogniti, quasi morientes et ecce vivimus ut castigati et non mortificati, quasi tristes semper autem gaudentes, sicut egentes multos autem locupletantes, tamquam nihil habentes et omnia possidentes.
As unknown and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened and not killed; / As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
12) ix. 7:
ἕκαστος καθὼς προῄρηται τῇ καρδίᾳ, μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης, ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός.
unusquisque prout destinavit corde suo, non ex tristitia aut ex necessitate hilarem enim datorem diligit Deus.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
13) xi. 19:
ἡδέως γὰρ ἀνέχεσθε τῶν ἀφρόνων φρόνιμοι ὄντες
libenter enim suffertis insipientes cum sitis ipsi sapientes
For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing that ye yourselves are wise.
14) xii. 2:
εἴτε ἐν σώματι οὐκ οἶδα, εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος οὐκ οἶδα, ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν
sive in corpore nescio sive extra corpus nescio Deus scit
whether in the body I cannot tell, or whether out of the body I cannot tell: God knoweth
15) xii.7:
διὸ ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι, ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί, ἄγγελος Σατανᾶ, ἵνα με κολαφίζῃ, ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι.
et ne magnitudo revelationum extollat me datus est mihi stimulus carnis meae angelus Satanae ut me colaphizet.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
16) xii. 9:
Ἀρκεῖ σοι ἡ χάρις μου: ἡ γὰρ δύναμις ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελεῖται.
sufficit tibi gratia mea nam virtus in infirmitate perficitur.
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
17) xii. 10:
ὅταν γὰρ ἀσθενῶ, τότε δυνατός εἰμι.
cum enim infirmor tunc potens sum.
for when I am weak, then am I strong.
(3) Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion, and the God of all comfort, (4) who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we can comfort those in every (sort of) tribulation through the comfort with which we, ourselves, are being comforted by God. (5) "For, just as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so also does our comfort flow in abundance through Christ" (vid. Psalms 34.19; 94.19). (6) Now, if we are afflicted, (it is) for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, (it is) for your comfort, which is reflected in your endurance of the same misfortunes from which we also are suffering. (7) And our hope for you is firm; for we know that you are sharers of these sufferings, just as (you are) also (sharers) of the comfort.
(8) For we do not wish you to be unaware, brothers, of the tribulation which happened to us in Asia, since we were burdened completely beyond our strength, so that we were even in despair of our lives; (9) in fact, within ourselves, (we felt that) we, ourselves, had received the sentence of death, so that we might not trust in ourselves, but in the God who raises the dead; (10) from so great a death he has delivered us, and he will deliver (us). (11) You can also join in helping (us) by your supplication on our behalf, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf for the gracious favour (granted) to us through (the prayers) of (so) many persons.
Paul's change of plans, and the integrity of his motives and conduct (vv. 12-24).
(12) For the (thing that) we boast of is this, the testimony of our conscience that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially (in our behaviour) towards you, in the holiness and sincerity of God, and not in the wisdom of the flesh, but in (accordance with) God's grace; (13) for we are not writing to you anything other than what you know well and accept, and I hope that you will (continue to) accept (it) to the end, (14) and, just as you have recognised, to some extent, in our case, that we are (something) for you to boast about, so we (shall) also (boast) of you on the day of our Lord Jesus.
(15) And, with this confidence in mind, I was originally intending to come to you, so that you might have two (occasions for) joy, (16) and to go to Macedonia after staying with you, and (then) to come back to you again from Macedonia, and be escorted by you to Judea. (17) So, as I was planning this, did I perhaps proceed with some fickleness? Or (the things) that I plan, do I plan (them) in a worldly manner, so that in my case there should be a "No, no" and a "Yes, yes"? (18) But God (can be) trusted that our speech that (is addressed) to you is not "Yes and No"; (19) For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us, (that is) by me, and Silvanus (i.e. he is called Silas in "The Acts") and Timothy was not "Yes and No", but in his case was (always) "Yes"; (20) For however many are the promises of God, they have become "Yes" in him; and so through him the "Amen" (is said) by us to the glory of God. (21) Now, (he) who makes us stand firm with you in Christ, and has anointed us (is) God. (22) He has also put his seal upon us, and and given (us) the pledge of his Spirit in our hearts.
(23) But I call upon God (as) a witness to my soul that it was to spare you that I have not yet come to Corinth. (24) Not that we are the masters of your faith, but we are fellow-workers with (you) in your joy, for you have stood firm in your faith.
CHAPTER 2.
Paul's change of plans, and the integrity of his motives and conduct (cont.) (vv. 1-4).
(1) For I made up my mind not to come to you again in sadness; (2) for, if I cause you distress, then who (is there) to cheer me except (someone) who is made sad by me? (3) And so I wrote this very (thing to you), so that, when I came, I should not derive sorrow from (those) in whom I ought to rejoice, as I have confidence in all of you that my joy comes from all of you. (4) For out of much tribulation and anguish of heart I wrote to you in the midst of many tears, not so that you might be saddened, but so that you might know the love that I have in such abundance for you.
Forgiveness for the sinner (vv. 5-11).
(5) Now, if anyone has caused distress, he has caused distress not (just) to me, but to some extent to all of you - not to be too harsh (in what I have to say). This punishment, (given) by the majority, (is quite) enough for (a man) such (as he is), so that, on the contrary, you should now forgive and comfort (him), so that such a man should not be devoured by excessive grief. (8) So, I am appealing to you to confirm your love for him. (9) For to this (end) also I wrote, so that I might know your character, (and to see) if you are obedient in all (things). (10) (If) you kindly forgive anyone anything, I do too; for whatever I have kindly forgiven, if I have kindly forgiven anything, (I have done so) for your sake in the sight of Christ, (11) so that we may not be outwitted by Satan, for we are not unaware of his designs.
God's direction in the ministry (vv. 12-17).
(12) Now, when I came to Troas, to (declare) the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, (13) I got no relief for my spirit, as I did not find my brother Titus, but I took my leave of them and went out to Macedonia.
(14) But thanks (be) to God, who always leads us in triumph in (the company of) Christ, and reveals through us the fragrance of the knowledge of him in every place; (15) for we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ in those who are saved and in those who perish: (16) to the latter (we are) the stench of death (leading) to death, to the former (we are) the fragrance of life (leading) to life. And who is sufficiently (qualified) for these (things)? (17) (We are!) For we are not peddling the word of God for profit, as (so) many (are doing), but, out of sincerity, yes, (sent) from God, (and) in the sight of God, we are are speaking in (company with) Christ.
CHAPTER 3.
Ministers of the New Covenant (vv. 1-6).
(1) Are we starting to recommend ourselves once more? Or do we need, as some (people) do, letters of recommendation to you or from you? (2) You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men. (3) It is known that you are a letter from Christ, delivered by us, and inscribed not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on "tablets of stone" (vid. Exodus 24.12; 31.18; 34.1, Deuteronomy 9.10,11), but "on tablets that are the hearts of men" (vid. Proverbs 3.3; 7.3; Jeremiah 31.33; Ezekiel 11.19; 36.26).
(4) Now, through Christ we have such confidence towards God. (5) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to reckon anything as (coming) from ourselves, but our sufficiency (comes) from God, (6) who has also made us sufficiently qualified to be ministers of "a new covenant" (vid. Exodus 24.8; Jeremiah 31.31; 32.40), not of the letter, but of the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
The New Covenant's superior glory (vv. 7-18).
(7) Now, if the ministry of death engraved in letters on stones, came in glory, so that "the children of Israel could not gaze intently on the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, fading (though it was)" (vid. Exodus 34.29-30), (8) how much more glorious will be the service of the Spirit, will it not? (9) For, if "the ministry of condemnation" (vid. Deuteronomy 27.26) (was) glorious, how much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory. (10) For even "that which was (once) glorified" (vid. Exodus 34. 29-30) has (now), to some extent, lost its glory, on account of the glory that surpasses (it); (11) for, if that which is fading has glory, how much greater is the glory of that which remains.
(12) So, having such hope, we are engaging in great freedom of speech, (13) and not acting like when "Moses put a veil on his face" (vid. Exodus 34. 33, 35), so that the children of Israel should not gaze intently at the end of something which was transitory. (14) But their minds were hardened. For, until this very day, the same veil remains in place at the reading of the covenant, because it is (only) set aside by means of Christ. (15) But right up to this day, whenever Moses may be read, a veil lies upon their hearts; (16) "but, whenever one turns to the Lord" (vid. Exodus 34.34), the veil is removed. (17) Now, the Lord is Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord (is), (there is) freedom. (18) But all of us, with unveiled faces reflecting as in a mirror "the glory of the Lord" (vid. Exodus 16.7; 24.17), are transformed into his likeness, (going) from glory to glory, just like the Spirit of the Lord.
CHAPTER 4.
The light of the good news (vv. 1-6).
(1) Therefore, as we have this ministry in accordance with the mercy we have been shown, we do not lose heart, (2) but we have renounced secret and shameful (ways) (i.e. the conduct of the false teachers in Corinth), not walking in craftiness nor falsifying the word of God, but commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God by the manifestation of the truth, (3) but, even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled among those who are lost, (4) in whom the God of this world (i.e. the Devil) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine (upon them). (5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves (as) your servants for Jesus' sake. (6) For (it is) God who said, "Let the light shine out of darkness" (vid. Genesis 1.3: Isaiah 9.2), and he has shone in our hearts to (bring us) the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Treasure in earthen vessels (vv. 7-15).
(7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the exceeding greatness of the power may be God's and not (be coming) from us. (8) (We are) troubled on every side, but not crushed, (we are) perplexed, but not in despair, (we are) persecuted, but not forsaken, (we are) cast down but not destroyed, (10) always bearing about in our body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made manifest in our body; (11) for we who are (still) alive, are always being brought face to face with death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. (12) So then, death is at work in us, but life in you.
(13) Now, because we have the same spirit of faith as that of which it is written, "I believed (and) therefore have I spoken" (Psalms 116. 10), we also believe, (and) therefore we also speak, (14) as we know that (he) who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up together with Jesus, and bring (us to himself) together with you. (15) For all these (things are) for your benefit, in order that the grace, which is multiplying through the thanksgiving of more and more (people), should abound to the glory of God.
Living by faith (vv. 16-18).
(16) Therefore, we do not lose heart, but even if our outward man is wasting away, yet our inward (man) is being renewed day by day. (17) For the momentary lightness of our affliction is working for us an everlasting weight of glory that is beyond all measure and description, (18) (for) we keep our eyes not on the (things) that are seen, but on the (things) that are not seen, for the (things) that are seen (are) temporal, but the (things) that are not seen (are) eternal.
CHAPTER 5.
Living by faith (cont.) (vv. 1-10).
(1) For we know that, if "our earthly house of this tent" (vid. Job 4.19) should be demolished, we do have a building from God, an everlasting house in the heavens not made by (human) hands. (2) For meanwhile, we do indeed groan, as we long to put on our habitation from heaven as well, (3) so that if indeed we are clothed in (it), we shall not be found naked. (4) For we who are in this tent do indeed groan, weighed down (as we are), because we do not wish to be stripped of (it), but to be clothed in it too, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. (5) Now, (he) who has designed us for this very (purpose is) God, and he has given us the pledge of the Spirit.
(6) So we are always full of confidence, and we know that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord, (7) for we are walking by faith, not by sight. (8) But we are full of confidence, and are now more than ever delighted to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord; (9) so we also aspire, whether we are at home (in the body) or absent (from it) (i.e. alive or dead), to be well pleasing to him. (10) "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each (one of us) may receive his (due) for what he did while in the body, whether good or bad" (vid. Ecclesiastes 12.14).
The ministry of reconciliation (vv. 11-21).
(11) So, knowing the fear of the Lord, we (try to) persuade men, but what we are is made plain to God; but I also hope that we are made plain to your consciences. (12) (For) we are not commending ourselves to you again, but we are giving you an opportunity to show your pride in us, so you may have (an answer) for those who boast about what appears to be the case, and not (what is) in their hearts. (13) For, if we are out of our minds, (it is) for God; if we are of sound mind, (it is) for you. (14) For the love of Christ impels us, because we judge as follows, that one (man) died for all; so all (men) died; (15) indeed he died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for (the one) who died for (them) and was raised up.
(16) Therefore, from now (on) we know no one according to the flesh; even if we once knew Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know (him thus) no longer. (17) Therefore, if anyone (is) in Christ, (he is) a new creation; "the old (things) have passed away, behold new (things) have come" (vid. Isaiah 43.18); (18) but all things (come) from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, (19) namely, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not holding their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
(20) "Therefore, we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ" (vid. Isaiah 52.7), as though God were appealing (to you) through us; we beg (you) on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (21) He made the (one) who knew no sin (a victim of) sin on our behalf, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
CHAPTER 6.
The ministry of reconciliation (cont.) (vv. 1-2).
(1) As his fellow-workers, we also entreat you not to receive the grace of God in vain; (2) for he says "At a favourable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you" (Isaiah 49.8); look, now (is) an especially favourable time, look, now (is) the day of salvation.
The hardships of Paul's ministry (vv. 3-13).
(3) We are putting no stumbling blocks in anyone's (path), in order that our ministry may not be criticised, (4) but in everything we show ourselves ministers of God, by our great endurance, in our tribulations, in our necessities, in our difficulties, (5) in beatings, in prisons, in riots, in toils, in sleeplessness, in fasting, in purity, in knowledge, in long-suffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, (7) in truthful speech, in the power of God; through the weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, (8) through glory and dishonour, through a bad reputation and good repute; as impostors and true (believers), (9) as unknown and yet we are recognised, as dying and yet look! we are alive, as "punished and yet not put to death" (vid. Psalms 118. 18), (10) as sorrowful but always rejoicing, as (being) poor but enriching (others), as having nothing but yet possessing everything.
(11) Our mouth has been opened to you, Corinthians; (12) you are not restricted by us; you are restricted by your own affections; (13) and now, in a fair exchange - I speak as though to my children - , you should open out your hearts.
The temple of the living God (vv. 14-18).
(14) Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers; for what association (can there be) between righteousness and iniquity, and what fellowship (can there be) between light and darkness? (15) For what harmony (can exist) between Christ and Belial, or what (can) a believer (have) in common with an unbeliever? (16) And what agreement (can there be) between a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God has said, "I shall dwell among them and walk among them, and I shall be their God and they will be my people" (Leviticus 26.12: Jeremiah 32.38; Ezekiel 37.27). (17) Therefore, "come out from from their midst, and set yourselves apart (from them), says the Lord, and do not touch any unclean thing; then I will receive you" (vid. Isaiah 52.11; Ezekiel 20.34,41); (18) and "I shall be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters" (vid. 2 Samuel 7.8,14; Isaiah 43.6; Jeremiah 31.9), says the "Lord Almighty" (vid. Amos 3.13).
CHAPTER 7.
The temple of the living God (cont.) (v.1).
(1) So, having these promises, my dear (ones), let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Paul's joy over the Corinthians (vv. 2-4).
(2) Make room for us (in your hearts); we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. (3) I do not say (this) to condemn (you), for I have said before that you are in our hearts, so that we live together, and we die together with (you). (4) I (have) great confidence in you, great (is) my pride with regard to you; I am filled with encouragement, (and) I am overflowing with joy in all our afflictions.
Titus brings a good report (vv. 5-7).
(5) For, even when we came into Macedonia, our flesh had no relief, but we had troubles on every (side) - fights without, fears within - , (6) but "God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us" (vid. Isaiah 49.13) by the arrival of Titus; (7) yet (we were comforted) not only by his presence, but also by the encouragement with which he had been encouraged concerning you, as he reported to us of your longing, your deep concern, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.
Godly sadness and repentance (vv. 8-16).
(8) Because, even if I did distress you by my letter, I do not regret (having done so). Even if I did regret (it at first) - for I see that that letter did distress you, even if (only) for a little while - , (9) now I am glad, not because you were distressed, but because your distress (led) to your repentance, for you were distressed in a godly manner, so that you might not suffer loss through us in anything. (10) For distress in a godly manner brings about a repentance that leads to salvation (and is) not to be regretted; "but worldly distress ends in death" (vid. Sirach 38.18). (11) For behold, this very (thing), your being caused distress in a godly manner, what diligence it produced in you, what defence, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what (a desire for) justice; in every (respect) you showed yourselves beyond reproach in this matter. (12) So, although I did write to you, (it was) not for the sake of (the one) who did wrong, nor yet for the sake of (the one) who was wronged, but for the sake of your concern for us being revealed to you in the sight of God. (13) For this reason, I have been (much) encouraged.
In addition to this encouragement of ours, we rejoiced all the more abundantly in Titus' joy, (now) that his spirit has been revived by all of you. (14) For, if I have, in any way, boasted to him on your behalf, I have not been put to shame, but, as we have said everything to you in truth, so also our boasting to Titus has proved true. (15) His affections for you are more abundant when he remembers the obedience of you all, as you received him with fear and trembling. (16) I rejoice because in all (respects) I am in good heart because of you.
CHAPTER 8.
The need for generous giving (vv. 1-15).
(1) Now we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God, which has been bestowed upon the congregations of Macedonia, (2) in that, during the great trial of their tribulation, the abundance of their joy and the depth of their poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. (3) I can testify that they have made this gift of their own accord, according to their capacity and well beyond their capacity, (4) (and) that they kept begging us with much entreaty for the privilege of giving and sharing the ministry to the holy ones - (5) and it was not (merely) as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God. (6) We urged Titus, that as he had made a beginning, so he should also bring to completion that gift of grace; (7) but, just as you are abounding in everything, - faith, and eloquence, and understanding, and all diligence, and our love for you, (see ) that you also excel in this graceful giving.
(8) I speak, not by way of a commandment, but in accordance with the zeal of others, and so as to prove the sincerity of your love. (9) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, in that, although he was rich, he made himself poor for your sake, so that through his poverty you might become rich.
(10) And in this (matter) I give an opinion; for this is of benefit to you, who a year ago not only initiated the action but also the desire (for it). But now you should complete the action, so that just as (there was) a readiness to be willing, so also (there should be) a completion of what you have. (12) "For, if the readiness is there, (it is) acceptable according to whatever (a person) may have, not according to what a person does not have" (vid. Proverbs 3.27-28). (13) For (it is) not that (it should be) easy for others, (but) hard for you; but (there should be) a fair balance. (14) Your surplus at the present time (may offset) their deficiency, in order that their surplus may also offset your deficiency, so that equality may occur; (15) As it is written, "(He) who had much did not have too much, and (he) who had little did not have too little" (Exodus 16.18).
Titus and his companions are recommended (vv. 16-24).
(16) Now thanks (be) to God for putting the same devotion (as I have) for you into the heart of Titus, (17) because he has responded to my appeal, but, being very eager, he has gone off to you of his own accord. (18) Now we have sent out together with him the brother (i.e probably Luke, but possibly Barnabas) whose praise with regard to the gospel (has spread) through all the congregations, - (19) not only (that), but he was also appointed by the congregations (as) our travelling companion in relation to this generous gift which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord and as (proof of) our eagerness (to help). (20) We are arranging this, so that no one should find fault with us (in the way) in which this liberal contribution is being administered by us, (21) "for we are being careful to do the right (thing), not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of man" (vid. Proverbs 3.4).
(22) Moreover, we are sending with them our brother (n.b. he cannot be identified), whom we have often proved to be zealous in many (things), but now much more zealous due to his great confidence in you. (23) If there is any question about Titus, (he is) my partner and fellow-worker on your behalf; if it is about our brothers, (they are) apostles of the congregations, (which are) the glory of Christ. (24) Therefore, you should demonstrate to them before the face of the congregations the proof of your love and of our boasting about you.
CHAPTER 9.
Titus and his companions are recommended (cont.) (vv. 1-5).
(1) Now, concerning the ministry to the holy (ones), it is (quite) unnecessary for me to write to you, (2) for I am (well) aware of your enthusiasm, and I boast of this on your behalf, that Achaia has been ready since last year, and that your zeal has fired up the majority (of them). (3) But I have sent the brothers, that our boasting on your behalf may not prove hollow in this respect, so that you may be prepared yourselves, just as I said (you would be), so that, if perhaps (some of) the Macedonians should come with me and found you unprepared, we, to say nothing of you, should not be put to shame in this understanding (of ours). (5) Therefore, I considered (it) necessary to urge the brothers to come to you in advance, and get ready the bountiful gift which had previously been promised, so that it may be kept in readiness as a gift and not as an imposition.
Motivation for giving (vv. 6-15).
(6) "Now, (remember) this, (he) who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (vid. Proverbs 11.24; 22.9). (7) (Let) each (man) (do) as he has determined in his heart, not with reluctance or out of compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(8) But God can make all his grace abound towards you, so that, while you always have all sufficiency in everything, your resources may abound for every good work; (9) as it is written, "He has distributed widely, he has given to the poor, (and) his righteousness remains forever" (Psalms 112.9). (10) "Now (he) who supplies seed to the sower and bread for eating" (vid. Isaiah 55.10) will supply and multiply the seed for you (to sow), and increase "the fruits of your righteousness" (vid. Hosea 10.12); (11) in every (respect) you will be rich (enough) for every (kind of) generous act, which brings about through us a thanksgiving to God, - (12) because the ministry of this public service aims not only to replenish the deficiencies of the holy (ones), but also to be overflowing with many expressions of thanks to God. (13) Through the proof that this service (gives), they glorify God for the obedience (which you show) in your confession of the gospel of Christ, and in the generosity of your contribution to them and to all. (14) And in their supplication on your behalf they long for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
(15) (Now,) thanks (be) to God for his gift that is beyond all telling (i.e. our redemption).
CHAPTER 10.
Paul defends his ministry (vv. 1-18).
(1) Now, I, Paul, appeal to you personally, by the humility and gentleness of Christ, (I, the one) who is (so) humble when he is present among you, but (so) full of courage towards you, when he is away (from you). (2) But I beg that I should not have to assert myself when I am (actually) with you, (or display) the self-confidence on which I am counting when I confront all those who reckon that we are living in accordance with worldly standards. (3) For, though we live in the world, we do not do battle as the world does, - (4) for the weapons of our warfare (are) not of this world, but they do have the power of God to demolish fortresses, - (5) (for we are) demolishing arguments and every presumptuous notion that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to (make) it obedient to Christ, (6) and we are holding (ourselves) in readiness to punish all disobedience once your own obedience has become complete.
(7) Look at things face to face. If anyone convinces himself that he belongs to Christ, let him ponder this again within his own mind that we also (belong) to Christ just as (he) himself (does). (8) For if ever I should boast a little too much about the authority that the Lord gave us to build (you) up and not to pull (you) down, I shall not feel ashamed that I do not seem to be trying to frighten you by my letters; (10) for they say, "His letters (are) weighty and forceful, but his bodily presence (is) weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such a (person) consider this, that what we are in word by our letters when absent, so we shall also be in action when present.
(12) For we do not venture to class (ourselves) or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves; but they who measure themselves in relation to themselves, and who compare themselves with themselves, have no understanding. (13) But we shall not boast beyond what cannot be (properly) measured, but in accordance with the size of the assignment that God had given to us, the extent (of which) reaches even as far as you. (14) For we have not overextended ourselves, as (we would have done) if we had not come to you, for we were (the first) to come as far as you with the gospel of Christ. (15) (So) we are not boasting beyond what can be (properly) measured in relation to the labours of others, but we do have the hope that, as your faith increases, we may grow great in accordance with the greatness of our assignment, (16) so as to preach the gospel to places beyond you, not to boast about what has already been done in someone else's territory. (17) "But (he) that boasts, let him boast in the Lord" (Jeremiah 9.24); (18) For the one (who) is approved, (is) not (he) who commends himself, but (he) whom the Lord commends.
CHAPTER 11.
Paul and the false apostles (vv. 1-15).
(1) I do wish you would put up with my foolishness just a little; but, in fact, you are putting up with me. (2) For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God, for I have betrothed you to one man so that I might present (you) to Christ (as) a chaste virgin; (3) but I am afraid that somehow, "just as the serpent seduced Eve by its cunning" (vid. Genesis 3.13), your minds might be led astray from the sincerity and the purity that are in Christ. (4) For, if (someone) who comes preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or (if) you receive a different spirit, which (was) not (the one) you did receive, or a different gospel, which (was) not (the one) you did accept, you go along (with it) all too readily. (5) For I consider that I am in no way inferior to your superfine apostles; (6) but, even if (I am) untrained in speech, I am certainly not in relation to my knowledge, as I have demonstrated to you in every (respect) at all (times).
(7) Or did I commit a sin (by) humbling myself so that you might be exalted, in that I preached the gospel of God to you (as) a free gift? (8) (Apparently) I was robbing other congregations (by) taking a salary (from them) in order to serve you, (9) and yet, when I was present with you and was in need, I was no burden to anyone; for the brothers from Macedonia provided for my every need, and I kept myself as being no burden to you in every respect, and I shall keep (myself so). (10) It is Christ's truth in my (case) that this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. (11) For what reason? Because I do not love you? God knows (I do).
(12) Now, I shall go on doing what I am doing at present, so that I may remove the pretext of those wanting the opportunity to prove that, in relation to (the matters) about which they boast, they may be found (to be) just like us. (13) For such (men are) false apostles, deceitful workers masquerading as Christ's apostles. (14) And no wonder, for Satan himself is masquerading as an angel of light. (15) (It is) no great (thing) if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, and their end will be in accordance with their works.
Paul's sufferings as an apostle (vv. 16-33).
(16) I say again, let no one think I am foolish; but if you really do (think that), then treat me as a fool, so that I, too, can do some little boasting; (17) what I say, I say not according to the Lord, but out of foolishness and in the reality of what I am boasting about. (18) Since many (people) boast according to worldly standards, I too shall boast (in that way). (19) For you suffer fools gladly, being (so) wise (yourselves); (20) for you put up whoever enslaves you, whoever consumes (what you have), whoever grabs (your possessions), whoever lords it over (you), whoever slaps you in the face. (21) I say this to our shame, perhaps because we have been weak.
If anyone is bold in anything - I am speaking foolishly - , I am also bold (in it). (22) Are they Hebrews? I (am one) too. Are they Israelites: I (am one) also. Are they the seed of Abraham? So (am) I. (23) Are they servants of Christ? I (am one) even more: to a greater degree in labours, to a greater degree in prisons, surpassingly in stripes, frequently (exposed) to death. (24) Five times I received from the Jews "forty (stripes) less one" (vid. Deuteronomy 25.3), (25) three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I have been shipwrecked, and I have been on the open sea for a night and a day; (26) often on journeys (I have been) in danger from rivers, from robbers, in danger from my own race, in danger from gentiles, in danger in towns, in danger in deserts, in danger at sea, in danger from false apostles, (27) in toil and hardship, often in sleeplessness, in hunger and in thirst, often in fastings, in cold and nakedness.
(28) Besides those things which are external, (there is) the pressure (that comes) upon me on a daily basis, (that is), my anxiety for all the congregations. (29) (If) someone (is) weak, am I not weak as well? (If) someone is made to stumble, do I not burn inwardly too?
(30) If boast I must, I will boast of the things (that concern) my weakness. (31) The God and father of our Lord Jesus, he who is forever blessed, knows that I am not lying. (32) In Damascus, King Aretas' governor, (who) was keeping watch over the city of the Damascenes, (came) to arrest me, (33) and I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall, and slipped through his hands.
CHAPTER 12.
Visions and revelations (vv. 1-10).
(1) I have to boast: it will do (me) no good, but I shall come on to visions and revelations of the Lord. (2) I know a man in (union with) Christ (i.e. Paul, himself), (and) fourteen years ago - whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know, God knows - this man was caught up into the third (i.e. the highest) heaven. (3) Yes, I know such a man - whether in the body or outside of the body, I do not know, God knows, (4) - (and) that he was caught up into paradise and heard unutterable words which (it is) not lawful for a man to speak. (5) About such a man I will boast, but I will not boast about myself, except in relation to my weaknesses. (6) For, even if I should want to boast, I will not be foolish, for I shall speak the truth; but I refrain, lest anyone should credit me with more than what he sees in me or hears from me, (7) just because of the extraordinary nature of the revelations.
Therefore, in order that I might not get above myself, I was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, (so to speak), to torment me, so that I should not become conceited. (8) Concerning this (thing), I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me; (9) and yet he said to me, "My grace is enough for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness." So most gladly will I glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (10) Therefore, I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in constraints, in persecutions and tribulations, for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then am I strong.
Paul's fears and anxieties for the Corinthians (vv. 11-21).
(11) I have become foolish; (but) you forced me into being (so); for I ought to have been commended by you. For I did not fall short of your superfine apostles in anything, even if I am nothing. (12) indeed, (all) the marks of an apostle have been put to work among you with all perseverance, and by signs, and by wonders, and by demonstrations of power. (13) For in what way is it that you were worsted by the rest of the congregations, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Kindly forgive this wrong.
(14) Look, this (is) the third (time) that I am ready to come to you, and I shall not be a burden (to you); for I seek not your possessions but you, for children ought not to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. (15) Yet, I will most gladly spend (what I have) and exhaust myself on behalf of your souls. If I should love you (so) much more, should I be loved any the less? (16) Be that as it may, I did not burden you; but (you say) I was crafty and caught you by trickery. (17) (As for) anyone (of those) whom I have dispatched to you, I didn't take advantage of you through him, (did I)? (18) I summoned Titus, and I sent the brother with (him); Titus didn't take advantage of you, (did he)? Did we not walk in the same spirit? (Did we) not (walk) in the same footsteps?
(19) Have you been thinking all this time that we have been making excuses to you? We are speaking before God, in (the cause of) Christ. But all things, beloved (ones), are for your edification. (20) For I am afraid that, somehow, when I come, I may find that you are not such as I should wish, and I may appear to you not such as you would wish, so that somehow (there will be) strife, jealousy, fits of rage, disputes, slanders, gossiping, arrogance, unruliness, so that, when I come again, my God shall humble me before you, and I may lament over many of those who have formerly sinned, but have not repented of the uncleanness, sexual immorality, and licentiousness which they have practised.
CHAPTER 13.
Final warnings (vv. 1-10).
(1) This is the third time I am coming to you. "Every charge can (only) be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses" (Deuteronomy 19.15). (2) I have said previously, and, although I am absent now, I also say in advance what (I did), when I was present the second (time), to those who have sinned and to all the rest, that, whenever I come again, I shall not spare (any of you), (3) since you seek a proof of Christ, who is speaking in me; he is not weak towards you, but is powerful among you, (4) for he was crucified on account of his weakness, but he lives on account of the power of God. For we also are weak, but we shall live with him, owing to the power of God with regard to you.
(5) Keep putting yourselves to the test, (to see) whether you are in the faith, keep examining yourselves; or do you yourselves not recognise that Jesus Christ (is) in you? - unless, indeed, you fail the test. (6) But I hope that you will recognise that we do not fail the test.
(7) Now, we pray to God that you do no evil, not so that we shall appear to have passed the test, but so that you may do what (is) right, even (if) we may fail the test. (8) For we cannot do anything against the truth, but (only) for the sake of the truth. (9) For we rejoice when we are weak, but you are strong; this we also pray for, (namely) your perfection. (10) That (is) why I am writing these (things) when I am absent, so that, when I am present, I may not act severely, in accordance with the authority which the Lord had given me to build (things) up and not to tear (them) down.
Greetings and good wishes (vv. 11-13).
(11) Finally, brothers, rejoice, be prepared, be encouraging, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. (12) Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the holy (ones) send you their greetings.
(13) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (be) with you all.
APPENDIX: QUOTATIONS FROM ST. PAUL'S SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS
Listed below are 17 quotations taken from the above text. In each case, the words are given in the original Greek, followed by a translation from the Latin Vulgate, and the English of the traditional Authorised Version of the Bible. Where the wording of the latter may be somewhat opaque, the reader can of course consult the translation above for an alternative, and hopefully more readable, version.
1) iii. 3:
οὐκ ἐν πλαξὶν λιθίναις ἀλλ᾽ ἐν πλαξὶν καρδίαις σαρκίναις.
non in tabulis lapideis sed in tabulis cordis carnalibus.
not in tablets of stone, but in flashy tables of the heart.
2) iii. 5-6:
οὐχ ὅτι ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτῶν ἱκανοί ἐσμεν λογίσασθαί τι ὡς ἐξ αὑτῶν, ἀλλ᾽ ἡ ἱκανότης ἡμῶν ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ, ὃς καὶ ἱκάνωσεν ἡμᾶς διακόνους καινῆς διαθήκης, οὐ γράμματος ἀλλὰ πνεύματος, τὸ γὰρ γράμμα ἀποκτείνει, τὸ δὲ πνεῦμα ζωοποιεῖ.
non quod sufficientes simus cogitare aliquid a nobis quasi ex nobis sed sufficientia nostra ex Deo est / qui et idoneos nos fecit ministros novi testamenti non litterae sed Spiritus littera enim occidit Spiritus autem vivificat
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; / Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
3) iv. 7:
Ἔχομεν δὲ τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν
habemus autem thesaurum istum in vasis fictilibus
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels
4) iv. 8:
ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι ἀλλ᾽ οὐ στενοχωρούμενοι, ἀπορούμενοι ἀλλ᾽ οὐκ ἐξαπορούμενοι
in omnibus tribulationem patimur sed non angustiamur, aporiamur sed non destituimur
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.
5) iv. 18:
μὴ σκοπούντων ἡμῶν τὰ βλεπόμενα ἀλλὰ τὰ μὴ βλεπόμενα, τὰ γὰρ βλεπόμενα πρόσκαιρα, τὰ δὲ μὴ βλεπόμενα αἰώνια.
non contemplantibus nobis quae videntur sed quae non videntur quae enim videntur temporalia sunt, quae autem non videntur aeterna sunt.
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
6) v. 1:
οἴδαμεν γὰρ ὅτι ἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ, οἰκοδομὴν ἐκ θεοῦ ἔχομεν οἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς.
scimus enim quoniam si terrestris domus nostra huius habitationis dissolvatur, quod aedificationem ex Deo habeamus domum non manufactam aeternam in caelis.
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
7) v. 7:
διὰ πίστεως γὰρ περιπατοῦμεν οὐ διὰ εἴδους
per fidem enim ambulamus et non per speciem
For we walk by faith, not by sight
8) v. 17:
ὥστε εἴ τις ἐν Χριστῷ, καινὴ κτίσις: τὰ ἀρχαῖα παρῆλθεν, ἰδοὺ γέγονεν καινά.
si qua ergo in Christo, nova creatura: vetera transierunt, ecce facta sunt nova.
Therefore if any man be in Christ; he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.
9) v. 20:
Ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν
pro Christo ergo legationem fungimur
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ
10) vi. 2:
λέγει γάρ Καιρῷ δεκτῷ ἐπήκουσά σουκαὶ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ σωτηρίας ἐβοήθησά σοι:
ἰδοὺ νῦν καιρὸς εὐπρόσδεκτος, ἰδοὺ νῦν ἡμέρα σωτηρίας
ait enim tempore accepto exaudivi te et in die salutis adiuvavi te: ecce nunc tempus acceptabile, ecce nunc dies salutis
For he saith I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.
11) vi. 9-10:
ὡς ἀγνοούμενοι καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι, ὡς ἀποθνήσκοντες καὶ ἰδοὺ ζῶμεν, ὡς παιδευόμενοι καὶ μὴ θανατούμενοι,/ ὡς λυπούμενοι ἀεὶ δὲ χαίροντες, ὡς πτωχοὶ πολλοὺς δὲ πλουτίζοντες, ὡς μηδὲν ἔχοντες καὶ πάντα κατέχοντες.
sicut qui ignoti et cogniti, quasi morientes et ecce vivimus ut castigati et non mortificati, quasi tristes semper autem gaudentes, sicut egentes multos autem locupletantes, tamquam nihil habentes et omnia possidentes.
As unknown and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened and not killed; / As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
12) ix. 7:
ἕκαστος καθὼς προῄρηται τῇ καρδίᾳ, μὴ ἐκ λύπης ἢ ἐξ ἀνάγκης, ἱλαρὸν γὰρ δότην ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεός.
unusquisque prout destinavit corde suo, non ex tristitia aut ex necessitate hilarem enim datorem diligit Deus.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
13) xi. 19:
ἡδέως γὰρ ἀνέχεσθε τῶν ἀφρόνων φρόνιμοι ὄντες
libenter enim suffertis insipientes cum sitis ipsi sapientes
For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing that ye yourselves are wise.
14) xii. 2:
εἴτε ἐν σώματι οὐκ οἶδα, εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος οὐκ οἶδα, ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν
sive in corpore nescio sive extra corpus nescio Deus scit
whether in the body I cannot tell, or whether out of the body I cannot tell: God knoweth
15) xii.7:
διὸ ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι, ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί, ἄγγελος Σατανᾶ, ἵνα με κολαφίζῃ, ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι.
et ne magnitudo revelationum extollat me datus est mihi stimulus carnis meae angelus Satanae ut me colaphizet.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
16) xii. 9:
Ἀρκεῖ σοι ἡ χάρις μου: ἡ γὰρ δύναμις ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελεῖται.
sufficit tibi gratia mea nam virtus in infirmitate perficitur.
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
17) xii. 10:
ὅταν γὰρ ἀσθενῶ, τότε δυνατός εἰμι.
cum enim infirmor tunc potens sum.
for when I am weak, then am I strong.
