Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks

Our Future after Death

5 For we know that if our temporary, earthly dwelling^[a](A) is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling^[b] in the heavens,^(B) not made with hands.^{(C) 2} Indeed, we groan in this body, desiring^(D) to put on our dwelling from heaven, ³ since, when we are clothed,^[c] we will not be found naked.^{(E) 4} Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality^(F) may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ And the One who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.

⁶ So, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we walk by faith,^(G) not by sight,^{(H) 8} and we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord.^{(I) 9} Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing^(J) to Him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the tribunal^(K) of Christ,^(L) so that each may be repaid^(M) for what he has done in the body, whether good or worthless.

¹¹ Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord,^(N) we seek to persuade people. We are completely open before God, and I hope we are completely open to your consciences as well. ¹² We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who take pride in the outward appearance^[d] rather than in the heart. ¹³ For if we are out of our mind,^(O) it is for God; if we have a sound mind,^(P) it is for you. ¹⁴ For Christ’s love compels^[e] us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all,^(Q) then all died. ¹⁵ And He died for all^(R) so that those who live should no longer live for themselves,^(S) but for the One^(T) who died for them and was raised.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹⁶ From now on, then, we do not know^[f] anyone in a purely human way.^[g] Even if we have known^[h] Christ in a purely human way,^[i] yet now we no longer know^[j] Him in this way. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;^(U) old things have passed away, and look,^(V) new things^[k] have come.^{(W) 18} Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:^{(X) 19} That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world^(Y) to Himself,^(Z) not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. ²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors^(AA) for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf,^(AB) “Be reconciled to God.” ²¹ He made the One who did not know sin^(AC) to be sin^[l] for us,^(AD) so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

6 Working together^[m] with Him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive God’s grace in vain.” ² For He says:

Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.^(AF)

The Character of Paul’s Ministry

³ We give no opportunity for stumbling to anyone, so that the ministry will not be blamed. ⁴ But as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything:

¹¹ We have spoken openly^[o] to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. ¹² You are not limited by us, but you are limited by your own affections. ¹³ I speak as to my children. As a proper response, you should also be open to us.

Separation to God

¹⁴ Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness?^(AQ) Or what fellowship does light^(AR) have with darkness?^{(AS) 15} What agreement does Christ have with Belial?^[p] Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ And what agreement does God’s sanctuary have with idols?^(AT) For we^[q] are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said: