2 Corinthians 5:16–6:13

THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

16 From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective.A Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective,B yet now we no longer know him in this way. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;al the old has passed away, and see,am the new hasC come!an 18 Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.ao 19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the worldap to himself,aq not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

20 Therefore, we are ambassadorsar for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf,as “Be reconciled to God.” 21 He made the one who did not know sinat to be sinD for us,au so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

6 Working together with him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive the grace of God in vain.” 2 For he says:

At an acceptable time I listened to you,

and in the day of salvation I helped you.E,a

See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!b

THE CHARACTER OF PAUL’S MINISTRY

3 We are not giving anyone an occasion for offense, so that the ministry will not be blamed. 4 Instead, as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardships, by difficulties, 5 by beatings, by imprisonments,c by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger, 6 by purity,d by knowledge,e by patience,f by kindness,g by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,h 7 by the word of truth,F,i by the power of God;j through weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, 8 through gloryk and dishonor, through slander and good report; regarded as deceivers, yet true; 9 as unknown, yet recognized; as dying, yet see—we live; as being disciplined, yet not killed; 10 as grieving, yet always rejoicing;l as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 11 We have spoken openly to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 I speak as to my children; as a proper response, open your heart to us.