1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain.

2(For he says, I have heard you in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I helped you: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Hardships in Paul's Ministry

3Giving no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed:

4But in all things presenting ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

5In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;

6By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by love unfeigned,

7By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

9As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

10As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

11O you Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

12You are not constrained in us, but you are constrained in your own affections.

13Now in return for the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be you also enlarged in heart.

Christians, Separate from Unrighteousness

14Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what partnership has light with darkness?

15And what harmony has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel?

16And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17Therefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.