1Working together with him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive the grace of God in vain.” 2For he says:

At an acceptable time I listened to you,

and in the day of salvation I helped you.a b

See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!c

The Character of Paul’s Ministry

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,a by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger, 6by purity,a by knowledge,b by patience,c by kindness,d by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,e 7by the word of truth,a a by the power of God;b through weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, 8through glorya 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;a 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.

Separation to God

14Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness?a Or what fellowship does lightb have with darkness?c 15What agreement does Christ have with Belial?A Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols?a For weA are the temple of the living God, as God said:

I will dwellb

and walk among them,

and I will be their God,c

and they will be my people.d e

17Therefore, come out from among them

and be separate, says the Lord;

do not touch any unclean thing,

and I will welcome you.a b

18And I will be a Fathera to you,

and you will be sonsb and daughters to me,

says the Lord Almighty.c d