2 Corinthians 3:17-4:8

New International Version

¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit,^(A) and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.^{(B) 18} And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a](C) the Lord’s glory,^(D) are being transformed into his image^(E) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Present Weakness and Resurrection Life

4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy^(F) we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.^{(G) 2} Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;^(H) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.^(I) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience^(J) in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel^(K) is veiled,^(L) it is veiled to those who are perishing.^{(M) 4} The god^(N) of this age^(O) has blinded^(P) the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,^(Q) who is the image of God.^{(R) 5} For what we preach is not ourselves,^(S) but Jesus Christ as Lord,^(T) and ourselves as your servants^(U) for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[b](V) made his light shine in our hearts^(W) to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.^(X)

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay^(Y) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God^(Z) and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side,^(AA) but not crushed; perplexed,^(AB) but not in despair;