Now if the ministry of death, chiseled in letters on stone tablets, came in glory so that the people of Israel could not gaze at Moses’s face because of the glory of his face, a glory now set aside,

how much more will the ministry of the Spirit come in glory?

For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, much more does the ministry of justification abound in glory!

Treasure in Clay Jars

Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people, but we ourselves are well known to God, and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences.

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation;

We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,

begging us earnestly for the favor of partnering in this ministry to the saints,

The Collection for Christians at Jerusalem

Now it is not necessary for me to write you about the ministry to the saints,

for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.

Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your partnership with them and with all others,

Paul Defends His Ministry

I myself, Paul, appeal to you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you but bold toward you when I am away!—