⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay^(A) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God^(B) and not from us.

⁵ Not that we are competent in ourselves^(A) to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.^{(B) 6} He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant^(C)—not of the letter^(D) but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.^(E)

Awaiting the New Body

5 For we know that if the earthly^(A) tent^(B) we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

⁸ For it is by grace^(A) you have been saved,^(B) through faith^(C)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works,^(D) so that no one can boast.^(E)

²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not^(A)—to nullify the things that are,

³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.^(A)

³ I came to you^(A) in weakness^(B) with great fear and trembling.^{(C) 4} My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words,^(D) but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,^{(E) 5} so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.^(F)

¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power^(A) is the same as the mighty strength^{(B) 20} he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead^(C) and seated him at his right hand^(D) in the heavenly realms,^(E)