Paul’s Hardships

³ We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,^(A) 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^(B) and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;^{(C) 6} in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit^(D) and in sincere love;^{(E) 7} in truthful speech^(F) and in the power of God;^(G) with weapons of righteousness^(H) in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor,^(I) bad report^(J) and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;^{(K) 9} known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,^(L) and yet we live on;^(M) beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;^(N) poor, yet making many rich;^(O) having nothing,^(P) and yet possessing everything.^(Q)

¹¹ We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.^{(R) 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^(S)—open wide your hearts^(T) also.

Warning Against Idolatry

¹⁴ Do not be yoked together^(U) with unbelievers.^(V) For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?^{(W) 15} What harmony is there between Christ and Belial^[a]?^(X) Or what does a believer^(Y) have in common with an unbeliever?^{(Z) 16} What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?^(AA) For we are the temple^(AB) of the living God.^(AC) As God has said:

¹⁷ Therefore,

¹⁸ And,

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