Shared Word Translation
2 Corinthians 6
The Ministry Received in Grace
And working together with him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For he says,
“In an acceptable time I heard you,
and in a day of salvation I helped you.”
Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with the ministry, but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God: in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in sleepless nights, in hunger;
in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in truthful speech, and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left, through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise; regarded as deceivers and yet true,
as unknown and yet known; as dying, and behold, we live; as disciplined, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
Appeal for Reconciliation
We have spoken openly to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also.
Separation from Idolatry
Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,
“I will dwell in them and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
Therefore go out from their midst,
and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch nothing unclean;
then I will welcome you,
and I will be a father to you,
and you shall be sons and daughters to me,
says the Lord Almighty.”