1Therefore, because we have this ministry, and just as we have received mercy, we do not become discouraged.

2Instead, we have rejected secret and shameful ways. We do not live by craftiness, and we do not mishandle the word of God. By presenting the truth, we recommend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

3But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.

4In their case, the god of this world has blinded their unbelieving minds. As a result, they are not able to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

6For God is the one who said, “Light will shine out of darkness.” He has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the presence of Jesus Christ.

7But we have this treasure in jars of clay, so that it is clear that the exceedingly great power belongs to God and not to us.

8We are afflicted in every way, but not overwhelmed. We are perplexed but not filled with despair.

9We are persecuted but not forsaken. We are struck down but not destroyed.

10We always carry in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be shown in our bodies.

11We who are alive are always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be shown in our body.

12So death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

13But we have the same spirit of faith according to that which was written: “I believed, and so I spoke.” We also believe, and so we also speak,

14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.

15Everything is for your sake so that, as grace is spread to many people, thanksgiving may increase to the glory of God.

16So we do not become discouraged. Even though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

17For this momentary, light affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory that exceeds all measurement.

18For we are not watching for things that are seen, but for things that are unseen. The things that we can see are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal.