4 I have much boldness in speaking to you. I know that in my own heart all trace of condemnation toward you is absent, for in the Christ we live and suffer together as one.
5-6 I cannot express to you the great gladness and joy of my heart on meeting Titus in Macedonia.
7 I was oppressed beyond measure, fightings without, and fears within — my flesh had no rest, in every possible direction loomed danger and difficulty, and God delivered me, even as He delivers the meek and hears the cry of the helpless. Titus came to me with news of you; and my heart was comforted and strengthened, nay, it overflows with gratitude and joy, as I remember your utter loyalty, and perfect devotion. All my sufferings lifted in the understanding of your love which his news brought to me.
8 My letter pained you, but I do not repent of that now. Though it pained me before, my sorrow now is gone.
9 The pain and sorrow of the world bring death,
10 but that pain and sorrow which God sends result in a change of mind and heart which nothing again can ever make a man repent of. And so it was with you.
11 It was no ordinary pain and mortification that my letter brought you, it was a deep stirring of the divine, of the sorrow that changes us, and with that sorrow came new energy, new desire, the wish to clear yourselves of reproach and to exact justice to the full. I rejoice that you have approved yourselves holy and worthy in this trouble. And what else matters?