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,
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,6:5 Jdg 16:21 by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger,
6by purity,6:6 2Co 11:3 by knowledge,6:6 Php 3:8; 1Jn 4:8 by patience,6:6 Ex 34:6; 2Tm 3:10 by kindness,6:6 Rm 2:4; 3:12; 11:22; Gl 5:22; Eph 2:7; Col 3:12; Ti 3:4 by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,6:6 1Co 13:1
7by the word of truth,6:7 Or by truthful speech6:7 2Th 2:10 by the power of God;6:7 Mk 5:30; Lk 1:35; 6:19; Ac 19:11; 2Co 13:4; Rv 11:17 through weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,
8through glory6:8 1Pt 5:4 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;6:10 Mt 5:4; Jn 16:22; 2Co 7:4; Php 1:4,25; 2:17–18; 3:1; 4:1,4; Col 1:24; 1Th 1:6; 1Pt 1:6–8 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?6:14 Mt 13:41 Or what fellowship does light6:14 Jn 12:46 have with darkness?6:14 Mt 6:23
15What agreement does Christ have with Belial?6:15 Or Beliar Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
I will dwell
6:16
Jms 4:5
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
6:16
Heb 3:6
17
Therefore, come out from among them
and be separate, says the Lord;
do not touch any unclean thing,
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