3Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our merciful Father, and the God of all comfort, 4Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we may be able to comfort others who are in any trouble, with the same comfort that we ourselves receive from God. 5For just as we share in the sufferings of Christ that abound in us, our consolation in and by Christ also abounds. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, producing in you patient endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer. 7And our hope for you remains steadfast, knowing that, just as you share in our sufferings, so shall you also share of our comfort.

8For we would not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, of our troubles which we experienced in Asia. We were distressed beyond measure, far above our ability to endure, to the point where we even despaired of life, itself; 9In fact, we thought we had received the sentence of death. But as a result, we learned not to trust in ourselves, but in God, Who raises the dead, 10 He has delivered us from that mortal danger; and He, in Whom we trust, will continue to deliver us, 11As you also help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor bestowed upon us in answer to the many prayers offered by many on our behalf.

12For our boasting is this, the testimony of a clear conscience that we have lived with simplicity and godly sincerity, not relying on fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, behaving ourselves in the world, and more especially toward you. 13For we write nothing to you, that you cannot read; which I trust you shall acknowledge and fully understand someday; 14Just as you have partially understood us, that we are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

15And with this confidence, I wanted to visit you twice, that you might benefit twice; 16And visit you on my way into Macedonia, and then again on my way out of Macedonia, and then have you send me on my way toward Judaea. 17When I planned that, did I form my plans carelessly? Or did you think I make my plans in a worldly manner, that when I say ‘Yes’, I really mean ‘No’? 18But as surely as God is true, our word toward you was not ‘Yes and No’. 19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Who was preached among you by us - by me, Silvanus and Timothy - was not ‘Yes and No’, but in Him it was always ‘Yes’. 20For all the promises of God in Christ are ‘Yes’, and through Christ, ‘Amen’ (which means “Yes”), is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21Now He is the One Who enables both us and you to stand firm in Christ, and has anointed (commissioned) us, 22 And has also set His seal of ownership upon us, and has put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit (earnest pledge) guaranteeing what is to come.

23Moreover, I call God as my witness – and I stake my life on it - that it was to spare you I have not yet returned to Corinth. 24Not that we have dominion over your faith, but that we may work with you as your helpers, for your joy; for it is by faith you stand firm.