ἐγὼ δὲ ἥδιστα κ. τ. λ.: and I will most gladly spend and be wholly spent for your souls' sake (cf. chap. 2 Corinthians 1:6; Romans 9:3; Philippians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; 2 Timothy 2:10 for the like expressions of unselfish devotion). ψυχή is here used (as at Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:11) of the spiritual part of man, the interests of which are eternal. εἰ περισσοτέρως ὑμᾶς ἀγαπῶ κ. τ. λ.: if I loved you more abundantly, i.e., than I love other Churches of my foundation (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:11), am I loved less (sc., than I am loved by other Churches)? Is it thus that you requite my affection?

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Old Testament