1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. |
2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. |
3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. |
4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, |
5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; |
6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, |
7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, |
8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; |
9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; |
10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. |
11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. |
12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. |
13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. |
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? |
15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? |
16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." |
17 Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." |
18 "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty." |