2 Corinthians 1:8-24

8For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.

9Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,

10who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,

11you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

12For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

13For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end

14(as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

15And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit—

16to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea.

17Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?

18But as God is faithful, our word to 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 was Yes.

20For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

21Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,

22who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

23Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.

24Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.