1
Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain.
2
For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
3
We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,
4
but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities,
5
beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger;
6
by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love,
7
truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left;
8
in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true;
9
as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed;
10
as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
11
Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide.
12
You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.
13
In return--I speak as to children--widen your hearts also.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Revised Standard Version)