¹⁸ All this is from God,^(A) who reconciled us to himself through Christ^(B) 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.^(C) And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,^(D) as though God were making his appeal through us.^(E) We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.^{(F) 21} God made him who had no sin^(G) to be sin^[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.^(H)

⁸ Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people,^(A) this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles^(B) the boundless riches of Christ,^{(C) 9} and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,^(D) which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

¹⁹ Pray also for me,^(A) that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly^(B) make known the mystery^(C) of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador^(D) in chains.^(E) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying^(A) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(B)—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy^(C) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience^(D) as an example for those who would believe^(E) in him and receive eternal life.^(F)