1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I helped thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4 But in all things commending ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, approving: Gr. commending

5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; in tumults: or, in tossings to and fro

6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8 By honour and dishonour, by bad report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

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

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

11 O ye Corinthians, We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.

12 Ye are not restrained by us, but ye are restrained by your own affections.

13 Now in return for the same, (I speak as to my children,) open wide your hearts to us.

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Therefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

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