¹² Therefore, since we have such a hope,^(A) we are very bold.^{(B) 13} We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face^(C) to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. ¹⁴ But their minds were made dull,^(D) for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant^(E) is read.^(F) It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord,^(G) the veil is taken away.^{(H) 17} Now the Lord is the Spirit,^(I) and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.^{(J) 18} And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a](K) the Lord’s glory,^(L) are being transformed into his image^(M) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Present Weakness and Resurrection Life

4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy^(N) we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.^{(O) 2} Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;^(P) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.^(Q) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience^(R) in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel^(S) is veiled,^(T) it is veiled to those who are perishing.^{(U) 4} The god^(V) of this age^(W) has blinded^(X) the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,^(Y) who is the image of God.^{(Z) 5} For what we preach is not ourselves,^(AA) but Jesus Christ as Lord,^(AB) and ourselves as your servants^(AC) for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[b](AD) made his light shine in our hearts^(AE) to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.^(AF)

²⁰ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.^(A)

Murder^(B)

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,^[a](C) and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry^(D) with a brother or sister^[b][c] will be subject to judgment.^(E) Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’^[d] is answerable to the court.^(F) And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.^(G)

²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

²⁵ “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. ²⁶ Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.