¹⁶ Therefore from now on we recognize no one ^[a](A)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 ^(B)in Christ, this person is ^(C)a new ^[b]creation; ^(D)the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. ¹⁸ Now ^(E)all these things are from God, ^(F)who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ^(G)ministry of reconciliation, ¹⁹ namely, that ^(H)God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, ^(I)not counting their wrongdoings against them, and ^[c]He has ^[d]committed to us the word of reconciliation.

²⁰ Therefore, we are ^(J)ambassadors for Christ, ^(K)as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be ^(L)reconciled to God. ²¹ He made Him who ^(M)knew no sin to be ^[e](N)sin in our behalf, so that we might become the ^(O)righteousness of God in Him.

Message to Laodicea

¹⁴ “To the angel of the church in ^(A)Laodicea write:

^(B)The Amen, ^(C)the faithful and true Witness, ^(D)the ^[a]Origin of the creation of God, says this:

¹⁵ ‘^(E)I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; ^(F)I wish that you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth. ¹⁷ Because you say, “^(G)I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, ¹⁸ I advise you to ^(H)buy from Me ^(I)gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and ^(J)white garments so that you may clothe yourself and ^(K)the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes so that you may see. ^19 (L)Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and ^(M)repent. ²⁰ Behold, I stand ^(N)at the door and ^(O)knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, ^(P)I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.