¹² Therefore, since we have such a hope,^(A) we are very bold.^{(B) 13} We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face^(C) to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. ¹⁴ But their minds were made dull,^(D) for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant^(E) is read.^(F) It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord,^(G) the veil is taken away.^{(H) 17} Now the Lord is the Spirit,^(I) and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.^{(J) 18} And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a](K) the Lord’s glory,^(L) are being transformed into his image^(M) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Present Weakness and Resurrection Life

4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy^(A) we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.^{(B) 2} Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;^(C) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.^(D) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience^(E) in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel^(F) is veiled,^(G) it is veiled to those who are perishing.^{(H) 4} The god^(I) of this age^(J) has blinded^(K) the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,^(L) who is the image of God.^{(M) 5} For what we preach is not ourselves,^(N) but Jesus Christ as Lord,^(O) and ourselves as your servants^(P) for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[a](Q) made his light shine in our hearts^(R) to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.^(S)