³ For ^(A)our appeal does not spring from ^(B)error or ^(C)impurity or ^(D)any attempt to deceive,

² But we have renounced ^(A)disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice^[a] cunning or ^(B)to tamper with God's word, but ^(C)by the open statement of the truth ^(D)we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

¹⁷ For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

⁷ For ^(A)God has not called us for ^(B)impurity, but in holiness.

Christ's Glory and the Prophetic Word

¹⁶ For we did not follow ^(A)cleverly devised ^(B)myths when we made known to you ^(C)the power and ^(D)coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but ^(E)we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

^5 (A)For we never came with words of flattery,^[a] as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—^(B)God is witness. ^6 (C)Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, ^(D)though we could have made ^(E)demands as ^(F)apostles of Christ.

¹⁶ But granting that ^(A)I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. ¹⁷ Did I take advantage of you ^(B)through any of those whom I sent to you? ^18 (C)I urged Titus to go, and sent ^(D)the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?

Paul's Joy

^2 (A)Make room in your hearts^[a] for us. ^(B)We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one.

⁵ For what ^(A)we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ^(B)ourselves as your servants^[a] for Jesus' sake.