1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we do not faint. 2But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing; 4in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, to prevent the light shining from the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus. 6For it is God, who spoke for light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

7But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. 8We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; 9pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; 10always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh. 12So then death works in us, but life in you.

13But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, "I believed, and therefore I spoke." We also believe, and therefore also we speak; 14knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

16Therefore we do not become discouraged, but even though our outer nature is wearing away, yet our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17For this momentary light affliction is working for us a far more exceeding and everlasting weight of glory; 18while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are everlasting.