The Light of the Gospel

4 Therefore, since we have this ministry because we were shown mercy,^(A) we do not give up.^{(B) 2} Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful things, not acting^(C) deceitfully or distorting the word of God,^(D) but commending ourselves before God to everyone’s conscience by an open display of the truth.^{(E) 3} But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ In their case, the god of this age^(F) has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,^[a](G) who is the image of God.^{(H) 5} For we are not proclaiming ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord,^(I) and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’s sake. ⁶ For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^(J) has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge^(K) of God’s glory^(L) in the face of Jesus Christ.

Treasure in Clay Jars

⁷ Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power^(M) may be from God and not from us. ⁸ We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; ⁹ we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry the death of Jesus^(N) in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body. ¹¹ For we who live are always being given over to death^(O) for Jesus’s sake, so that Jesus’s life may also be displayed in our mortal flesh. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life in you.

Sufficient Grace

12 Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions^(A) and revelations^(B) of the Lord. ² I know a man in Christ who was caught up^(C) to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know; God knows. ³ I know that this man—whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know; God knows— ⁴ was caught up into paradise^(D) and heard inexpressible words, which a human being is not allowed to speak. ⁵ I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses.

⁶ For if I want to boast, I wouldn’t be a fool, because I would be telling the truth.^(E) But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, ⁷ especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh^(F) was given to me, a messenger of Satan^(G) to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. ⁸ Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power^(H) is perfected in weakness.”^(I)

Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. ¹⁰ So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ.^(J) For when I am weak, then I am strong.^(K)

Psalm 27

My Stronghold

Of David.

¹⁹ He said, “Don’t be afraid,^(A) you who are^[a] treasured by God.^(B) Peace to you; be very strong!” ^(C)

As he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”^(D)

¹² For our struggle is not against flesh^(A) and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,^(B) against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil,^(C) spiritual forces in the heavens.^{(D) 13} For this reason take up the full armor^(E) of God, so that you may be able to resist^(F) in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand,^(G) therefore, with truth^(H) like a belt around your waist, righteousness^(I) like armor on your chest,^{(J) 15} and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield^(K) of faith^(L) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^{(M) 17} Take the helmet^(N) of salvation and the sword^(O) of the Spirit^(P)—which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray^(Q) at all times in the Spirit^(R) with every prayer and request, and stay alert^(S) with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.