1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God vin vain. 2 For he says,
w“In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, xnow is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no yobstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God zwe commend ourselves in every way: aby 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 bpower of God; with the cweapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as ddying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet ealways rejoicing; as poor, yet making many frich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
11 We have spoken freely to you,1 Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but gyou are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.
Paul’s Joy
2 sMake room in your hearts1 for us. tWe have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one.
