1 Wherefore, having this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not falter;
2 but have commanded away the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 If then, indeed, our gospel be veiled, it is veiled among the destroyed;
4 among whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, might shine into them.
5 Now, we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants, for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded light to shine out of darkness, has shined into our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power might be of God, and not of us.
8 We are pressed on every side, but not straitened; perplexed, but not in despair;
9 persecuted, but not utterly forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.
10 At all times carrying about in the body, the putting to death of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body.
11 For we who live are always exposed to death for the sake of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12 So that death works in us, but life in you.
13 «Yet, having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written,'I believed, therefore I have spoken'; we, also, believe, and therefore speak;»
14 knowing that he who raised up the Lord Jesus, will raise us up, also, by Jesus, and will present us with you.
15 For all these things are for your sakes; that the favor which has abounded to many, may, through the thanksgiving of the greater number, redound to the glory of God.
16 Wherefore, we do not faint; but, though, indeed, out outward man is impaired, yet the inward man is renewed, day by day.
17 For our momentary light afflictions work out for us an eternal weight of glory, great beyond expression;
18 while we are aiming, not at things seen, but at things unseen: for the things seen are temporal, but the things unseen are eternal.