⁴ so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.

²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.^(A)

Treasure in Clay Jars

4 Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.^{(A) 2} We have renounced the shameful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.^{(B) 3} And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.^{(C) 4} In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing clearly the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.^(D)

⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.^(A)

¹² Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with complete frankness,^(A)

¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him.^{[a] 15} For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:^{(A) 16} to the one group a fragrance from death^[b] to death, to the other a fragrance from life^[c] to life. Who is qualified for these things?^{(B) 17} For we are not peddlers of God’s word like so many,^[d] but as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God, we are speaking in Christ before God.^(C)

⁴ My speech and my proclamation were made not with persuasive words of wisdom^[a] but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power,^{(A) 5} so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

²⁹ But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.^[a](A)

²⁹ And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,^(A)

Whom to Fear

²⁶ “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered and nothing secret that will not become known.^{(A) 27} What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.