2 Corinthians 6: 1-13

[A] 6:1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

[B] 2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you,

[C] and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

[B’] Behold, now is the favorable time;

[C’] behold, now is the day of salvation.


[A’ / A] 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way:

by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger;

6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love;

7 by truthful speech, and the power of God;

[B] with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left;

8 through honor and dishonor,

through slander and praise.

[A’] We are treated as impostors, and yet are true;

9 as unknown, and yet well known;

as dying, and behold, we live;

as punished, and yet not killed;

10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;

as poor, yet making many rich;

as having nothing, yet possessing everything.


[A] 11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open.

[B] 12 You are not restricted by us,

[B’] but you are restricted in your own affections.

[A’] 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.