⁴ that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

The Light of Christ’s Gospel

4 Therefore, since we have this ministry, ^(A)as we have received mercy, we ^(B)do not lose heart. ² But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor ^[a]handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth ^(C)commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. ³ But even if our gospel is veiled, ^(D)it is veiled to those who are perishing, ⁴ whose minds ^(E)the god of this age ^(F)has blinded, who do not believe, lest ^(G)the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, ^(H)who is the image of God, should shine on them.

²⁰ for which ^(A)I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

⁶ Let your speech always be ^(A)with grace, ^(B)seasoned with salt, ^(C)that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

¹² Therefore, since we have such hope, ^(A)we use great boldness of speech—

¹⁴ Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us ^[a]diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. ¹⁵ For we are to God the fragrance of Christ ^(A)among those who are being saved and ^(B)among those who are perishing. ^16 (C)To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And ^(D)who is sufficient for these things? ¹⁷ For we are not, as ^[b]so many, ^(E)peddling^[c] the word of God; but as ^(F)of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

⁴ And my speech and my preaching ^(A)were not with persuasive words of ^[a]human wisdom, ^(B)but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, ⁵ that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the ^(C)power of God.

²⁹ But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ^(A)“We ought to obey God rather than men.

²⁹ Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants ^(A)that with all boldness they may speak Your word,