Chapter 04 - Paul's labors

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word (of God) deceitfully; but by manifestation (of the truth) commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.


3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

4 In whom the god (of this world) hath blinded the minds (of them) which believe not, lest the light (of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God) should shine unto them.


5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Iesus (the Lord); and ourselves your servants for Iesus' sake.


6 For God (who commanded the light to shine out of darkness)[1] hath shined in our hearts, to give the light (of the knowledge of the glory of God) in the face of Iesus (Christ).


7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency (of the power) may be of God, and not of us.


8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying (of the Lord) Iesus, that the life also (of Iesus) might be made manifest in our body.


11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Iesus' sake, that the life also (of Iesus) might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.


12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.


13 We having the same spirit (of faith), according as it is written, 

I believed, and therefore have I spoken;[2] 

we also believe, and therefore speak;

14 Knowing that he (which raised up the Lord Iesus) shall raise up us also by Iesus, and shall present us with you.


15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound[3] to the glory of God.


16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.


17 For our light affliction (which is but for a moment) worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.



Chapter 5