2 Corinthians 5:11-21
New American Standard Bible
11 Therefore, knowing the (A)fear of the Lord, we persuade people, but we are well known to God; and I hope that we are also (B)well known in your consciences. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you (C)again, but are giving you an (D)opportunity to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we have (E)lost our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ (F)controls us, having concluded this, that (G)one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that those who live would no longer (H)live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.
16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one [a](I)by the flesh; even though we have known Christ by the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is (J)in Christ, this person is (K)a new [b]creation; (L)the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now (M)all these things are from God, (N)who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the (O)ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that (P)God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, (Q)not counting their wrongdoings against them, and [c]He has [d]committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are (R)ambassadors for Christ, (S)as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be (T)reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who (U)knew no sin to be [e](V)sin in our behalf, so that we might become the (W)righteousness of God in Him.
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- 2 Corinthians 5:16 I.e., by what one is in the flesh
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 Or creature
- 2 Corinthians 5:19 Lit having
- 2 Corinthians 5:19 Lit placed in us
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 Or a sin offering
1 Peter 3:15-16
New American Standard Bible
15 but [a]sanctify (A)Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready (B)to make a [b]defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the (C)hope that is in you, but (D)with gentleness and (E)respect; 16 [c]and keep a (F)good conscience so that in the thing in which (G)you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
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- 1 Peter 3:15 I.e., set apart
- 1 Peter 3:15 Or argument; or explanation
- 1 Peter 3:16 Lit having a good
Colossians 4:2-6
New American Standard Bible
2 (A)Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; 3 praying at the same time (B)for us as well, that God will open up to us a (C)door for (D)the word, so that we may proclaim (E)the mystery of Christ, for which I have also (F)been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear (G)in the way that I ought to proclaim it.
5 [a](H)Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward (I)outsiders, [b](J)making the most of the opportunity. 6 (K)Your speech must always be [c]with grace, as though seasoned with (L)salt, so that you will know how you should (M)respond to each person.
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- Colossians 4:5 Lit Walk
- Colossians 4:5 Lit redeeming the time
- Colossians 4:6 Or gracious
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