Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace

1As God’s fellow workers \Now working together/,a then, we urge you⁺ not to receive God’s {Theou} grace in vain. 2For He says:

“In the time of favor I heard you,

and in the day of salvation I helped you <Isa 49:8>.”b

Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!

3We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry {diakonia}.

4Rather, as servants {diakonoi} of God {Theou} we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance (perseverance); in troubles, hardships, and calamities; 5in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; 6in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit {Hagiō Pneumati} and in sincere love {agapē}; 7in truthful speech and in the power {dynamei} of God {Theou}; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8through glory {doxēs} and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine; 9unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed; 10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

11We have spoken freely to you⁺, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide. 12It is not our affection, but yours⁺, that is restrained. 13As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your⁺ hearts also.

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship {koinōnia} does light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ (the Anointed One) and Belial [Beliar]?c Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16What agreement can exist between the temple of God {Theou} and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God {Theos} has said:

“I will dwell with them

and walk among them,

and I will be their God,

and they will be My people <Lev 26:12>.”d

17“Therefore come out from among them

and be separate, says the Lord {Kyrios}.

Touch no unclean thing,

and I will receive you⁺ <Isa 52:11>.”e

18And:

“I will be a Father {Patera} to you⁺,

and you⁺ will be My sons and daughters,

says the Lord {Kyrios} Almighty {Pantokratōr}.”f