2nd Corinthians 2

 

1 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again and cause you to sorrow.

2 For if I make you sorrowful again, who is it then that makes me glad but the same who is made sorry by me?

3 And I wrote this same thing to you, lest, when I come, I should have sorrow from the ones in whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be grieved, but so that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you.

5 But if one has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but in part (along with you all): that I should not put a heavy burden on you all.

6 Sufficient to such a man is the punishment that was inflicted by many.

7 So that instead you ought rather to forgive him (sending away his offense), and comfort him (with the comfort by which we are comforted), lest perhaps such a one be overwhelmed with even more sorrow (unto despair).

8 Therefore, I urge you that you would confirm your love for him.

9 For this reason also did I (previously) write, so that I might know the proof of your (faith), whether you were obedient (to the faith that endures) in all things.

10 To whomever you forgive anything, I also forgive: and if I forgave anything for your sakes, unto whomever I forgave it, I do it in the person of Christ;

11 Lest we should be defrauded by Satan (of reward, allowing such a one to fall into despair): for we are not ignorant of his devices.

12 Furthermore, (after my first letter) when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me from the Lord,

13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus, my brother (as I expected): but taking leave of them, I went from there into Macedonia (as I had planned).

14 Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the aroma of His knowledge through us in every place (we declare the gospel).

15 For we are to God a sweet-smelling savor of Christ, in those that (believe upon Him and) are saved (unto His incorruptible life), and in those that (reject Him who) are perishing (in death that leads to destruction):

16 To those who are perishing the aroma from (the body of) death unto (the destruction of) death, but to those that are saved the aroma of (an indestructible) life (in Christ Jesus) unto life (and immortality in our flesh). And who is sufficient for these things (but Him alone)?

17 For we are not like many (false teachers), who corrupt the word of God (handling it deceitfully): but (we minister) from (a pure heart of) sincerity, but (we minister) as (by manifestation of the truth) from God, (commending ourselves to every man’s conscience) in the sight of God do we speak in Christ.