2 Corinthians 2:16-3:6

Christian Standard Bible

¹⁶ To some we are an aroma of death^(A) leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life^(B) leading to life. Who is adequate for these things? ¹⁷ For we do not market the word of God^(C) for profit like so many.^[a] On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.

Living Letters

3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some, letters of recommendation to you or from you? ² You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.^{(D) 3} You show that you are Christ’s letter,^(E) delivered^[b] by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God^(F)—not on tablets of stone^(G) but on tablets of human hearts.^[c](H)

Paul’s Competence

⁴ Such is the confidence we have through Christ before God. ⁵ It is not that we are competent in^[d] ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.^{(I) 6} He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant,^(J) not of the letter,^(K) but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.