How were you treated any worse than the other churches, except that I did not bother you for financial help? Please forgive me for being so unfair!

And during the time I was with you I did not bother you for help when I needed money; the believers who came from Macedonia brought me everything I needed. As in the past, so in the future: I will never be a burden to you!

By Christ's truth in me, I promise that this boast of mine will not be silenced anywhere in all of Achaia.

We are proud that our conscience assures us that our lives in this world, and especially our relations with you, have been ruled by God-given frankness and sincerity, by the power of God's grace and not by human wisdom.

We put aside all secret and shameful deeds; we do not act with deceit, nor do we falsify the word of God. In the full light of truth we live in God's sight and try to commend ourselves to everyone's good conscience.

Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one; we have ruined no one, nor tried to take advantage of anyone.

I beg you not to force me to be harsh when I come; for I am sure I can deal harshly with those who say that we act from worldly motives.

It is true that we live in the world, but we do not fight from worldly motives.

Our appeal to you is not based on error or impure motives, nor do we try to trick anyone.

You know very well that we did not come to you with flattering talk, nor did we use words to cover up greed---God is our witness!

As the scripture says, "You have found out for yourselves how kind the Lord is."