⁴For we also, who are in this tabernacle, do groan, being burthened; because we would not be unclothed, but clothed upon, that that which is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

⁵Now he that maketh us for this very thing is God, who hath given us the pledge of the Spirit,

⁶Therefore having always confidence, knowing that while we are in the body we are absent from the Lord.

⁷(For we walk by faith and not by sight.)

⁸But we are confident and have a good will to be absent rather from the body and to be present with the Lord.

⁹And therefore we labour, whether absent or present, to please him.

¹⁰For we must all be manifested before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the proper things of the body, according as he hath done, whether it be good or evil.

¹¹Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we use persuasion to men: but to God we are manifest. And I trust also that in your consciences we are manifest.

¹²We commend not ourselves again to you, but give you occasion to glory in our behalf: that you may have somewhat to answer them who glory in face, and not in heart.

¹³For whether we be transported in mind, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for you.

¹⁴For the charity of Christ presseth us: judging this, that if one died for all, then all were dead.

¹⁵And Christ died for all: that they also who live may not now live to themselves, but unto him who died for them and rose again.

¹⁶Wherefore henceforth, we know no man according to the flesh. And if we have known Christ according to the flesh: but now we know him so no longer.

¹⁷If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away. Behold all things are made new.

¹⁸But all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

¹⁹For God indeed was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their sins. And he hath placed in us the word of reconciliation.

²⁰For Christ therefore we are ambassadors, God as it were exhorting by us, for Christ, we beseech you, be reconciled to God.

²¹Him, who knew no sin, he hath made sin for us: that we might be made the justice of God in him.

Chapter 6

And we helping do exhort you that you receive not the grace of God in vain.

²For he saith: In an accepted time have I heard thee and in the day of salvation have I helped thee. Behold, now is the acceptable time: behold, now is the day of salvation.

³Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed.

⁴But in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses,

⁵In stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings,

⁶In chastity, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned,

⁷In the word of truth, in the power of God: by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left:

⁸By honour and dishonour: by evil report and good report: as deceivers and yet true: as unknown and yet known:

⁹As dying and behold we live: as chastised and not killed:

¹⁰As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as needy, yet enriching many: as having nothing and possessing all things.

¹¹Our mouth is open to you, O ye Corinthians: our heart is enlarged.

¹²You are not straitened in us: but in your own bowels you are straitened.

¹³But having the same recompense (I speak as to my children): be you also enlarged.

¹⁴Bear not the yoke with unbelievers. For what participation hath justice with injustice? Or what fellowship hath light with darkness?

¹⁵And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath the faithful with the unbeliever?

¹⁶And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God: as God saith: I will dwell in them and walk among them. And I will be their God: and they shall be my people.

¹⁷Wherefore: Go out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing:

¹⁸And I will receive you. And will be a Father to you: and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

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