1Working togethera with Him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.” 2For He says:

I heard you in an acceptable time,

and I helped you in the day of salvation.b, c

Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.d

The Character of Paul’s Ministry

3We give no opportunity for stumbling to anyone, so that the ministry will not be blamed. 4But as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything:

by great endurance, by afflictions,

by hardship, by difficulties,

5by beatings, by imprisonments,e

by riots, by labors,

by sleepless nights, by times of hunger,

6by purity,f by knowledge,g

by patience,h by kindness,i

by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,j

7by the message of truth,k

by the power of God;l

through weapons of righteousness

on the right hand and the left,

8through glorym and dishonor,

through slander and good report;

as deceivers yet true;

9as unknown yet recognized;

as dying and look — we live;

as being disciplined yet not killed;

10as grieving yet always rejoicing;n

as poor yet enriching many;

as having nothing yet possessing everything.

11We have spoken openlyo to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. 12You are not limited by us, but you are limited by your own affections. 13I speak as to my children. As a proper response, you should also be open to us.

Separation to God

14Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness?p Or what fellowship does lightq have with darkness?r 15What agreement does Christ have with Belial?s Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16And what agreement does God’s sanctuary have with idols?t For weu are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said:

I will dwell among themv

and walk among them,

and I will be their God,w

and they will be My people.x, y

17Therefore, come out from among them

and be separate, says the Lord;

do not touch any unclean thing,

and I will welcome you.z, aa

18I will be a Fatherab to you,

and you will be sonsac and daughters to Me,

says the Lord Almighty.ad, ae