Paul and Timothy express gratitude for God's consolation in their tribulations and defend Paul's integrity and sincerity in his ministry. Paul explains his change of plans and expresses his love and charity towards the Corinthians, urging them to forgive and console a certain individual who had caused sorrow. He commends himself to others through the truth, preaching about Jesus Christ and not himself, and urges the Corinthians not to waste the gift of God's salvation and to live as ministers of God. Paul also encourages them to give generously to the saints, defends his authority and ministry, and concludes that true glory comes from the Lord.