Warning Against Idolatry

¹⁴ Do not be yoked together^(A) with unbelievers.^(B) For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?^{(C) 15} What harmony is there between Christ and Belial^[a]?^(D) Or what does a believer^(E) have in common with an unbeliever?^{(F) 16} What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?^(G) For we are the temple^(H) of the living God.^(I) As God has said:

¹⁷ Therefore,

¹⁸ And,

7 Therefore, since we have these promises,^(O) dear friends,^(P) let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness^(Q) out of reverence for God.

Paul’s Joy Over the Church’s Repentance

² Make room for us in your hearts.^(R) We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. ³ I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts^(S) that we would live or die with you. ⁴ I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you.^(T) I am greatly encouraged;^(U) in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.^(V)

⁵ For when we came into Macedonia,^(W) we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn^(X)—conflicts on the outside, fears within.^{(Y) 6} But God, who comforts the downcast,^(Z) comforted us by the coming of Titus,^{(AA) 7} and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.