I ask that when I am present I may not have to be “bold,” with such a confidence as I expect I will dare to use against those who think that we are walking according to the flesh.

Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go to you in advance and to arrange beforehand the generous contribution you had previously promised, so that it would be ready as (hōs | ὡς | particle) a generous gift and not as (hōs | ὡς | particle) something you had to do.

And his affection for you is even greater when he recalls the obedience of you all, how (hōs | ὡς | conj) with fear and trembling you welcomed him.

For if I have boasted to him about anything regarding you, I have not been embarrassed, but just as (hōs | ὡς | conj) everything we said to you was true, so also our boast to Titus about you has proved true.

Now as a fair exchange — I speak as (hōs | ὡς | particle) to children — open wide your hearts to us also.

as (hōs | ὡς | particle) sorrowing, yet always rejoicing; as (hōs | ὡς | particle) poor, yet making many rich; as (hōs | ὡς | particle) having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

as (hōs | ὡς | particle) unknown, and yet well-known; as (hōs | ὡς | particle) dying, and yet — look! — we continue to live; as (hōs | ὡς | particle) scourged, and yet not killed;

through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise; as (hōs | ὡς | particle) deceivers, and yet true men;

Rather, as (hōs | ὡς | particle) servants of God, we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in times of affliction, hardship, and distress;

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as (hōs | ὡς | particle) though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, “Be reconciled to God.”