³ And even ^(A)if our gospel is veiled, ^(B)it is veiled to ^(C)those who are perishing.

¹⁴ But ^(A)their minds were ^(B)hardened. For to this day, ^(C)when they read ^(D)the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away.

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

¹⁸ For the word of the cross is ^(A)folly to ^(B)those who are perishing, but to us ^(C)who are being saved it is ^(D)the power of God.

¹⁵ For we are the aroma of Christ to God among ^(A)those who are being saved and among ^(B)those who are perishing, ^16 (C)to one a fragrance from death to death, ^(D)to the other a fragrance from life to life. ^(E)Who is sufficient for these things?

⁹ The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan ^(A)with all power and false signs and wonders, ¹⁰ and with all wicked deception for ^(B)those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. ¹¹ Therefore ^(C)God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe ^(D)what is false,

¹¹ in accordance with ^(A)the gospel of the glory of ^(B)the blessed God ^(C)with which I have been entrusted.

⁵ because ^(A)our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and ^(B)in the Holy Spirit and with full ^(C)conviction. You know ^(D)what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

⁴ In their case ^(A)the god of this world ^(B)has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing ^(C)the light of ^(D)the gospel of the glory of Christ, ^(E)who is the image of God.

Triumph in Christ

¹² When ^(A)I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though ^(B)a door was opened for me in the Lord,