2 Corinthians 5:16–6:13

16  So that we henceforth know no one according to flesh; but if even we have known Christ according to flesh, yet now we know him thus no longer. 17  So if any one be in Christ, there is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold all things have become new: 18  and all things are of the God who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and given to us the ministry of that reconciliation: 19  how that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their offences; and putting in us the word of that reconciliation. 20  We are ambassadors therefore for Christ, God as it were beseeching by us, we entreat for Christ, Be reconciled to God. 21  Him who knew not sin he has made sin for us, that we might become God’s righteousness in him.

Chapter 6

1  But as fellow-workmen, we also beseech that ye receive not the grace of God in vain: 2  (for he says, I have listened to thee in an accepted time, and I have helped thee in a day of salvation: behold, now is the well-accepted time; behold, now the day of salvation:) 3  giving no manner of offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed; 4  but in everything commending ourselves as God’s ministers, in much endurance, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits, 5  in stripes, in prisons, in riots, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, 6  in pureness, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in love unfeigned, 7  in the word of truth, in the power of God; through the arms of righteousness on the right hand and left, 8  through glory and dishonour, through evil report and good report: as deceivers, and true; 9  as unknown, and well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as disciplined, and not put to death; 10  as grieved, but always rejoicing; as poor, but enriching many; as having nothing, and possessing all things.

11  Our mouth is opened to you, Corinthians, our heart is expanded. 12  Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your affections; 13  but for an answering recompense, (I speak as to children,) let your heart also expand itself.