1 We, then, as fellow-laborers, also beseech you not to receive the favor of God in vain;

2 «(for he says,» 'In an accepted season I have hearkened to you; and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' 'Behold, now is a highly accepted season; behold, now is a day of salvation:)'

3 giving no cause of offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed.

4 But by everything approving ourselves as ministers of God, by much patience, by oppressions, by necessities, by distresses,

5 by stripes, by imprisonments, by tumults, by labors, by watchings, by fastings;

6 by purity, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by goodness, by a holy spirit, by love unfeigned;

7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, through the armor of righteousness of the right hand and of the left;

8 through honor and dishonor, through bad fame and good fame; as deceivers, yet true;

9 as unknown, yet well known; as dying, yet, behold, we live; as chastened, yet not killed;

10 as sorrowing, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing all things.

11 Corinthians! our mouth is open to you, our heart is enlarged.

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

13 Now, in return, (I speak as to children,) be you also enlarged.

14 Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers; for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?

15 what concord has Christ with Belial? or what portion has a believer with an unbeliever?

16 «And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said,» 'Assuredly I will dwell among them, and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be to me a people.'

17 Wherefore, come out from among them, and be separated, says the Lord, and touch no unclean person; and I will receive you;

18 «and I be to you a Father, and you shall be to me sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.»