PAUL an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy a
brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints
which are in all Achaia: (2)grace unto you, and peace from God our
Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(3)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of mercies, and God of all consolation; (4)who comforteth us in all our
tribulation, that we might be able to comfort those who are in all
tribulation, by the consolation with which we ourselves are comforted
of God. (5)Because as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so through
Christ aboundeth also our consolation. (6)But whether we be afflicted,
it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectually wrought
by patient endurance of the same sufferings which we also suffer; or if
we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. (7)And our
hope of you is sure, knowing that as ye are partakers of the
sufferings, so also of the consolation.
(8)For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, of the tribulation
which came to us in Asia, that above measure we have been burdened
beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life: (9)for we
ourselves, in ourselves have received the sentence of death, that we
should have no confidence in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the
dead. (10)Who from so imminent a prospect of death hath delivered us,
and still delivers: in whom we trust also that he will yet deliver us:
(11)ye also labouring together for us in prayer, that from many persons
thanks may be given on our behalf for the gifts bestowed on us by many.
(12)For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in
simplicity and godly sincerity, not with carnal wisdom, but by the
grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and peculiarly
towards you. (13)For we write no other things to you than those which
you know and acknowledge; and I trust also ye will acknowledge them
even to the end. (14)As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we
are your glory, as also ye are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
(15)And in this confidence I was intending to come unto you a second
time, that ye might receive a second blessing; (16)and through you to
pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia return unto you, and by
you to be forwarded on my journey towards Judea. (17)Such then being my
intention, did I indeed change it with levity? or the things which I
purpose, do I purpose after the flesh, that with me there should be
yea, yea, and nay, nay? (18)But as sure as God is true, our word to you
was not yea and nay. (19)For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was
preached among you by us--by me and Silvanus and Timotheus--was not yea
and nay, but there was yea in him; (20)for all the promises of God in
him are yea, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.
(21)Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us,
is God; (22)who also hath put his seal upon us, and given us the
earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
(23)But I appeal to God as a witness unto my soul, that to spare you I
have not yet come to Corinth: (24)not that we have dominion over your
faith, but are fellow-helpers of your joy; for by faith ye stand.