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.

³ For ^(A)our appeal does not spring from ^(B)error or ^(C)impurity or ^(D)any attempt to deceive, ⁴ but just as we have been approved by God ^(E)to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not ^(F)to please man, but to please God ^(G)who tests our hearts. ^5 (H)For we never came with words of flattery,^[a] as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—^(I)God is witness.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹¹ Therefore, knowing ^(A)the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But ^(B)what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.

¹³ For such men are ^(A)false apostles, ^(B)deceitful workmen, ^(C)disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as ^(D)an angel of light. ¹⁵ So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as ^(E)servants of righteousness. ^(F)Their end will correspond to their deeds.

⁴ but ^(A)as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: ^(B)by great endurance, ^(C)in afflictions, ^(D)hardships, calamities, ^5 (E)beatings, imprisonments, ^(F)riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; ^6 (G)by purity, ^(H)knowledge, patience, kindness, ^(I)the Holy Spirit, ^(J)genuine love; ⁷ by ^(K)truthful speech, and ^(L)the power of God; with ^(M)the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left;

³ But I am afraid that ^(A)as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts ^(B)will be led astray from a ^(C)sincere and ^(D)pure devotion to Christ.

⁵ Therefore ^(A)do not pronounce judgment before the time, ^(B)before the Lord comes, ^(C)who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. ^(D)Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

¹⁴ For ^(A)whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you ^(B)was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true.