1But [as] fellow-workmen, we also beseech that ye receive not the grace of ⁴⁰God in vain:

2(for he says, I have listened to thee in an accepted time, and I have helped thee in a day of salvation: behold, now [is the] well-accepted time; behold, now [the] day of salvation:)

3giving no manner of offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed;

4but in everything commending ourselves as ⁴¹God's ministers, in much endurance, in afflictions, in necessities, in straits,

5in stripes, in prisons, in riots, in labours, in watchings, in fastings,

6in pureness, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in kindness, in [the] Holy Spirit, in love unfeigned,

7in [the] word of truth, in [the] power of ⁴²God; through the arms of righteousness on the right hand and left,

8through glory and dishonour, through evil report and good report: as deceivers, and true;

9as unknown, and well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as disciplined, and not put to death;

10as grieved, but always rejoicing; as poor, but enriching many; as having nothing, and possessing all things.

11Our mouth is opened to you, Corinthians, our heart is expanded.

12Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your affections;

13but for an answering recompense, (I speak as to children,) let your heart also expand itself.

14Be not diversely yoked with unbelievers; for what participation [is there] between righteousness and lawlessness? or what fellowship of light with darkness?

15and what consent of Christ with Beliar, or what part for a believer along with an unbeliever?

16and what agreement of ⁴³God's temple with idols? for ye are [the] living ⁴⁴God's temple; according as ⁴⁵God has said, I will dwell among them, and walk among [them]; and I will be their ⁴⁶God, and they shall be to me a people.

17Wherefore come out from the midst of them, and be separated, saith [the] Lord, and touch not [what is] unclean, and I will receive you;

18and I will be to you for a Father, and ye shall be to me for sons and daughters, saith [the] Lord Almighty.