Therefore: verse 13a states the result of verse 12, and most translations retain 13a with the preceding paragraph (for example, Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible).

The pronoun we does not include the Corinthian readers.

On the meaning of the word translated as comforted in Revised Standard Version and “encouraged” in Good News Translation, see 1.4. One African translation renders this “our sadness came to an end.”

Besides our own comfort: in addition to the fact that Paul and his associates were encouraged, they were even happier about the fact that Titus was cheered up.

His mind has been set at rest is literally “his spirit was set at rest.” In this context “spirit” refers to one’s inner life of feelings and will. This provides the reason for Titus’ happiness. It was because the Corinthians put his mind at ease that he found joy.

Beginning at the paragraph break, this part of the verse may be reworded as one language has done: “Indeed, our sadness came to an end, but we had even greater joy when we heard how you made Titus happy and how you all caused his heart to lie down.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellingworth, Paul. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .