14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.(A) 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves(B) but for him who died for them(C) and was raised again.

16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly(D) point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,(E) the new creation(F) has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!(G) 18 All this is from God,(H) who reconciled us to himself through Christ(I) and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.(J) And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,(K) as though God were making his appeal through us.(L) We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.(M) 21 God made him who had no sin(N) to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.(O)

As God’s co-workers(P) we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.(Q) For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,
    and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[c](R)

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Paul’s Hardships

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,(S) so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments(T) and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;(U) in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit(V) and in sincere love;(W) in truthful speech(X) and in the power of God;(Y) with weapons of righteousness(Z) in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor,(AA) bad report(AB) and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;(AC) known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,(AD) and yet we live on;(AE) beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;(AF) poor, yet making many rich;(AG) having nothing,(AH) and yet possessing everything.(AI)

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.(AJ) 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children(AK)—open wide your hearts(AL) also.

Warning Against Idolatry

14 Do not be yoked together(AM) with unbelievers.(AN) For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?(AO) 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[d]?(AP) Or what does a believer(AQ) have in common with an unbeliever?(AR) 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?(AS) For we are the temple(AT) of the living God.(AU) As God has said:

“I will live with them
    and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.”[e](AV)

17 Therefore,

“Come out from them(AW)
    and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
    and I will receive you.”[f](AX)

18 And,

“I will be a Father to you,
    and you will be my sons and daughters,(AY)
says the Lord Almighty.”[g](AZ)

Therefore, since we have these promises,(BA) dear friends,(BB) let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness(BC) out of reverence for God.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Or Christ, that person is a new creation.
  2. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Or be a sin offering
  3. 2 Corinthians 6:2 Isaiah 49:8
  4. 2 Corinthians 6:15 Greek Beliar, a variant of Belial
  5. 2 Corinthians 6:16 Lev. 26:12; Jer. 32:38; Ezek. 37:27
  6. 2 Corinthians 6:17 Isaiah 52:11; Ezek. 20:34,41
  7. 2 Corinthians 6:18 2 Samuel 7:14; 7:8

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