1Working together with him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive the grace of God in vain.”

2For he says:

3We are not giving anyone an occasion for offense, so that the ministry will not be blamed.

4Instead, as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardships, by difficulties,

5by beatings, by imprisonments,6:5 Jdg 16:21 by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger,

6by purity,6:6 2Co 11:3 by knowledge,6:6 Php 3:8; 1Jn 4:8 by patience,6:6 Ex 34:6; 2Tm 3:10 by kindness,6:6 Rm 2:4; 3:12; 11:22; Gl 5:22; Eph 2:7; Col 3:12; Ti 3:4 by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,6:6 1Co 13:1

7by the word of truth,6:7 Or by truthful speech6:7 2Th 2:10 by the power of God;6:7 Mk 5:30; Lk 1:35; 6:19; Ac 19:11; 2Co 13:4; Rv 11:17 through weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,

8through glory6:8 1Pt 5:4 and dishonor, through slander and good report; regarded as deceivers, yet true;

9as unknown, yet recognized; as dying, yet see — we live; as being disciplined, yet not killed;

10as grieving, yet always rejoicing;6:10 Mt 5:4; Jn 16:22; 2Co 7:4; Php 1:4,25; 2:17–18; 3:1; 4:1,4; Col 1:24; 1Th 1:6; 1Pt 1:6–8 as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

11We have spoken openly to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide.

12We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.

13I speak as to my children; as a proper response, open your heart to us.

14Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness?6:14 Mt 13:41 Or what fellowship does light6:14 Jn 12:46 have with darkness?6:14 Mt 6:23

15What agreement does Christ have with Belial?6:15 Or Beliar Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

16And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols?6:16 Gn 31:19; 1Co 8:4 For we6:16 Other mss read you are the temple of the living God, as God said: