1 Working together with him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive the grace of God in vain.”2 For he says: At an acceptable time I listened to you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!3 The Character of Paul’s Ministry We are not giving anyone an occasion for offense, so that the ministry will not be blamed.4 Instead, as God’s ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardships, by difficulties,5 by beatings, by imprisonments, by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger,6 by purity, by knowledge, by patience, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,7 by the word of truth, Or by truthful speech by the power of God; through weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left,8 through glory and dishonor, through slander and good report; regarded as deceivers, yet true;9 as unknown, yet recognized; as dying, yet see — we live; as being disciplined, yet not killed;10 as grieving, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.11 We have spoken openly to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide.12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.13 I speak as to my children; as a proper response, open your heart to us.14 Separation to God Don’t become partners with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?15 What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or Beliar Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?16 And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we Other mss read you are the temple of the living God, as God said: I will dwell and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.17 Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you.18 And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.