1
Because of this, having this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.
2
But word-definition " data-lexid="314653">we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not
word-definition " data-lexid="314656">walking
in craftiness,
nor word-definition " data-lexid="314659">falsifying
the word of God, but
word-definition " data-lexid="314662">by manifestation of
the truth,
word-definition " data-lexid="314664">commending ourselves to
word-definition " data-lexid="314666">every mans
word-definition " data-lexid="314668">conscience before
God.
3
But if indeed our gospel is concealed, it is concealed to those who are perishing,
4
in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so as for not to beam forth the illumination of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
5
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and ourselves as your servants for the sake of Jesus.
6
For it is God, having said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shone in our hearts for the radiance of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7
Now we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassingness of the power may be from God, and not from us,
8
being hard pressed in every way but not being crushed, being perplexed but not despairing,
9
being persecuted but not being forsaken, being struck down but not being destroyed,
10
always carrying around the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus also should be manifested in our body.
11
For we the living are always being delivered to death on account of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12
So then, death works in us, but life in you.
13
But having the same spirit of faith according to that having been written: I believed, therefore I have spoken, we also believe and therefore speak,
14
knowing that the One having raised up the Lord Jesus also will raise us up through Jesus and will present us with you.
15
For all things are for your sake, so that the grace having abounded through more and more people may increase the thanksgiving to the glory of God.
16
Therefore we do not lose heart; but indeed if our outward man is being brought to decay, yet our inner self is being renewed day and day.
17
For the momentary lightness of our affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory, far surpassing to excessiveness.
18
We are not looking at the things being seen, but the things not being seen. For the things being seen are temporary, but the things not being seen are eternal.