I don’t want any of you to think that I’m not concerned about the people of Israel. They’re my family, my own flesh and blood. (I’m not lying, I’m telling you the truth as one in Christ—my conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it.)
But, as you know, I didn’t come to Corinth on my way to Macedonia. I stayed away because I wanted to spare you. (God is my witness that this was the reason—may he take my life if I’m lying!)
I was appointed to be a messenger and an apostle to preach the good news. (I’m telling the truth; I’m not lying.) God appointed me to be a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
All this time, have you been thinking that I’ve been speaking up for myself? No, I’ve been speaking with God as my witness, as a believer in Christ. Dear friends, everything I do is to help you become stronger.
And I won’t brag about the work that others have done. If I did, I’d be bragging more than I should. I hope that my work among you will greatly increase as your faith continues to grow.
I know how much you want to do that. I’ve been bragging about you to the people in Macedonia. I’ve been telling them that you who live in Achaia have been ready to give since last year. Your eagerness has stirred up most of them to give as well.
From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and from Timothy our brother. To the members of God’s church in Corinth and to all of God’s holy people everywhere in southern Greece.
You know that the first believers in Achaia were from the family of Stephanas. They’ve spent all their time serving the Lord’s people. Brothers and sisters, I’m asking you
Also please greet the church that meets in their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person in the province of Asia to believe in Christ.
Apollos then wanted to go to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters encouraged him to do that. They wrote to the disciples there and asked them to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by God’s grace had become believers.
I’ve been crucified with Christ. I’m not the one living anymore. Christ is living in me. I do continue to live in this body, but I do that by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.