1SO we beseech you, as helpers, that the grace of God which you have received may not be in vain among you.

2For he said, I have answered you in an acceptable time, and I have helped you on the day of salvation: behold, now is the acceptable time; and behold now is the day of salvation.

3Give no occasion for offence to any one in anything, so that there be no blemish in our ministry: 4But in all things let us show ourselves, to be the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulations, in necessities, in imprisonment, 5In scourgings, in bonds, in tumults, in toilings, in vigils, in fastings; 6By purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8By honour and dishonour, by praise and reproach, as deceivers, and yet true; 9As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not dying; 10As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

11O Corinthians, we have told you everything, and our heart is relieved. 12You are not constrained by us, but are urged by your affections. 13I speak as to my children, render me my reward which is with you, increase your love toward me.

14Do not unite in marriage with unbelievers, for what fellowship has righteousness with iniquity? Or what mingling has light with darkness? 15Or what accord has Christ with Satan? Or what portion has a believer with an unbeliever?

16Or what harmony has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God; as it is said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17Wherefore come out from among them, and be separate, said the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18And will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, said the LORD Almighty.