1So I decided that I would not bring you grief by another painful visit to you. 2For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad, but the same ones that I have grieved? 3And I wrote this to you so that, when I do came, I should not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy with me. 4For out of much distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears - not to grieve you, but that you might know the depth of love which I have toward you.

5I am not overstating it when I say that the one who caused all the grief hurt all of you more than he hurt me. 6Most of you opposed him; and inflicted sufficient punishment on him. 7So that now, on the contrary, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he is not overwhelmed with sorrow. 8Therefore, I urge you that you would reaffirm your love toward him. 9I also wrote for this reason, that I might know that you would stand the test, and be obedient in all things. 10Anyone you forgive of anything, I also forgive; for if I forgave anyone anything, it was for your sakes that I forgave it in sight of Christ, 11In order that Satan would not outsmart us; for we are not unaware of his schemes.

12When I went to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and I found that the Lord had opened a door of opportunity for me, 13I had no peace (rest in my spirit), because I did not find my brother Titus, there; so I said goodbye to them, and left there for Macedonia. 14But thanks be to God, Who always leads us as His captives in a triumphal procession in Christ, and uses us to spread the savor (aroma) of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15For we are to God a pleasing aroma of Christ, an aroma which is perceived differently - by them that are being saved, and by those that are perishing: 16To the one who is perishing, we are the smell of death; and to the other, the aroma that brings everlasting life. And who is equal to such a task? 17For we are not like many, who corrupt and peddle the word of God for financial gain; but with sincerity, as ambassadors of God, we preach Christ, knowing that God is watching us.