The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹¹ Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord,^(A) we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.^{(B) 12} We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again,^(C) but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us,^(D) so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. ¹³ If we are “out of our mind,”^(E) as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. ¹⁴ For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.^{(F) 15} And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves^(G) but for him who died for them^(H) and was raised again.

¹⁶ So from now on we regard no one from a worldly^(I) point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,^(J) the new creation^(K) has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!^{(L) 18} All this is from God,^(M) who reconciled us to himself through Christ^(N) and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.^(O) And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,^(P) as though God were making his appeal through us.^(Q) We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.^{(R) 21} God made him who had no sin^(S) to be sin^[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.^(T)

6 As God’s co-workers^(U) we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.^{(V) 2} For he says,

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Paul’s Hardships

³ We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,^(X) so that our ministry will not be discredited. ⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments^(Y) and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;^{(Z) 6} in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit^(AA) and in sincere love;^{(AB) 7} in truthful speech^(AC) and in the power of God;^(AD) with weapons of righteousness^(AE) in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor,^(AF) bad report^(AG) and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;^{(AH) 9} known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,^(AI) and yet we live on;^(AJ) beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;^(AK) poor, yet making many rich;^(AL) having nothing,^(AM) and yet possessing everything.^(AN)

¹¹ We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.^{(AO) 12} We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. ¹³ As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children^(AP)—open wide your hearts^(AQ) also.

Warning Against Idolatry

¹⁴ Do not be yoked together^(AR) with unbelievers.^(AS) For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?^{(AT) 15} What harmony is there between Christ and Belial^[d]?^(AU) Or what does a believer^(AV) have in common with an unbeliever?^{(AW) 16} What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?^(AX) For we are the temple^(AY) of the living God.^(AZ) As God has said:

¹⁷ Therefore,

¹⁸ And,

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

Paul’s Joy Over the Church’s Repentance

² Make room for us in your hearts.^(BI) 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^(BJ) that we would live or die with you. ⁴ I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you.^(BK) I am greatly encouraged;^(BL) in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.^(BM)