2 Corinthians 1:8-24

8For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life: 9But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the dead:1 10Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us ; 11Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you. 13For we write no other things to you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; 14As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

15And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that ye might have a second benefit;2 16And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again from Macedonia to you, and by you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. 17When I therefore was thus minded, did I do it lightly? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? 18But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.3 19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us. 21Now he who establisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 23Moreover I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I have not as yet come to Corinth. 24Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.