1 But I have decided this within myself: not to come back to you in grief.2 For if I grieve you, then who is gladdening me, if not he who is being grieved by me?3 And I have written this same thing, in order that coming I do not have grief from those whom there is need for me to be delighted with; having confidence in all of you, because my joy is of all of you.4 From much tribulation and anguish of heart I have written to you through many tears, in order that you would not be grieved, rather that you would know the love which I so abundantly have for you.5 Now if anyone causes grief, he does not cause me grief, but in some part (at which I should not be burdensome) you all.6 Befitting such a one is this penalty, which is by the many.7 Consequently, on the other hand still more you are to show kindness and encourage, lest perchance such a one would be consumed in more abundant grief.8 On which account I encourage you to confirm love in regard to him.9 For this also I have written, in order that I would know of your tried character, if in everything you are obedient.10 Now to anyone whom you are obliging, likewise I am; and for my part whomever I oblige, if anyone I oblige, it is for your sakes, in the presence of Christ;11 in order that we are not taken advantage of by the Adversary, for we are not ignorant of his designs.12 Now coming to Troas in regard to the good message of the Anointed, and an opportunity being opened to me by the Prince,13 I had no rest in my Spirit, with my not finding Titos my brother; then taking leave of them, I had gone out into Makedonia.14 But thanks to Yahweh, who is always leading us among the Anointed in triumph, and the essence of the knowledge of Him is being made manifest through us in every place.15 Seeing that we of the Anointed are a sweet fragrance to Yahweh, among these being preserved and among those being destroyed;16 Although in those, a fragrance of death into death, yet in these, a fragrance of life into life; and who for these things is befitting?17 For we are not as the many, selling the word of Yahweh in trade, but as from sincerity, rather as from Yahweh. Before Yahweh we speak in respect of the Anointed.