aWorking together with him, then, bwe appeal to you cnot to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says,
a“In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, bnow is the cfavorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We aput no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but aas servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: bby great endurance, cin afflictions, dhardships, calamities, 5 abeatings, imprisonments, briots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 aby purity, bknowledge, patience, kindness, cthe Holy Spirit, dgenuine love; 7 by atruthful speech, and bthe power of God; with cthe weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, athrough slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and ayet well known; bas dying, and behold, we live; cas punished, and yet not killed; 10 aas sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; bas poor, yet making many rich; cas having nothing, dyet possessing everything.
11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; aour heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but ayou are restricted in your own affections. 13 aIn return (I speak bas to children) widen your hearts also.
The Temple of the Living God
14 aDo not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For bwhat partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or cwhat fellowship has light with darkness? 15 aWhat accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For awe are the temple of the living God; as God said,
b“I will make my dwelling among them and cwalk among them,
and dI will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
17 Therefore ago out from their midst,
and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch no unclean thing;
then I will welcome you,
18 aand I will be a father to you,
and you shall be sons and daughters to me,
says the Lord Almighty.”