² But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor ^[a]handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth ^(A)commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

¹⁷ For we are not, as ^[a]so many, ^(A)peddling^[b] the word of God; but as ^(B)of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

^3 (A)For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

⁴ But as ^(B)we have been approved by God ^(C)to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, ^(D)not as pleasing men, but God ^(E)who tests our hearts. ⁵ For ^(F)neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a ^[a]cloak for covetousness—^(G)God is witness.

¹¹ Knowing, therefore, ^(A)the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

¹³ For such ^(A)are false apostles, ^(B)deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into ^(C)an angel of light. ¹⁵ Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, ^(D)whose end will be according to their works.

⁴ But in all things we commend ourselves ^(A)as ministers of God: in much ^[a]patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, ^5 (B)in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; ⁶ by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by ^[b]sincere love, ^7 (C)by the word of truth, by ^(D)the power of God, by ^(E)the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

^5 (A)Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to ^(B)light the hidden things of darkness and ^(C)reveal the ^[a]counsels of the hearts. ^(D)Then each one’s praise will come from God.

³ But I fear, lest somehow, as ^(A)the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds ^(B)may be corrupted from the ^[a]simplicity that is in Christ.

¹⁴ For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true.