¹⁶ And so henceforth we know no man after the flesh, insomuch that even if we have known Christ after the flesh, now henceforth we know him this way no more. ¹⁷ Therefore if any person is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away: behold, all things are become new.

¹⁸ Nevertheless, all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the office to preach the atonement. ¹⁹ For God was in Christ, and made agreement between the world and himself, and did not impute people’s sins to them. And he has committed to us the preaching of the atonement. ²⁰ Now then, we are messengers in the place of Christ, even as though God did beseech you through us. So we entreat you in Christ’s stead to be at one with God. ²¹ For he has made him who knew no sin to be a sin offering for us, so that we, by means of him, should be that righteousness which is accepted before God.

An exhortation to receive the word of God with thankfulness and amendment of life. The diligence of Paul in the gospel, and how he warns them to avoid the company of the heathen.

6 We as helpers therefore exhort you, do not receive the grace of God in vain. ² For he says: I have heard you in a favoured time, and in the day of salvation I have succoured you. Behold, now is that well-favoured time; behold, now is that day of salvation.