Study Desk

Working together^[a] with Him, we also appeal to you, "Don't receive God's grace in vain."

For He says: I heard you in an acceptable time, and I helped you in the day of salvation. ^(a)[b] Look, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.^(b)

We give no opportunity for stumbling to anyone, so that the ministry will not be blamed.

But as God's ministers, we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardship, by difficulties,

by beatings, by imprisonments,^(c) by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger,

by purity,^(d) by knowledge,^(e) by patience,^(f) by kindness,^(g) by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,^(h)

by the message of truth,⁽ⁱ⁾ by the power of God;^(j) through weapons of righteousness on the right hand and the left,

through glory^(k) and dishonor, through slander and good report; as deceivers yet true;

as unknown yet recognized; as dying and look—we live; as being disciplined yet not killed;

as grieving yet always rejoicing;^(l) as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing yet possessing everything.

We have spoken openly^[c] to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide.

You are not limited by us, but you are limited by your own affections.

I speak as to my children. As a proper response, you should also be open to us.

Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness?^(m) Or what fellowship does light⁽ⁿ⁾ have with darkness?^(o)

What agreement does Christ have with Belial?^[d] Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

And what agreement does God's sanctuary have with idols?^(p) For we^[e] are the sanctuary of the living God, as God said: I will dwell among them ^(q) and walk among them, and I will be their God, ^(r) and they will be My people. ^(s)[f]

Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you. ^(t)[g]

I will be a Father ^(u) to you, and you will be sons ^(v) and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty. ^(w)[h]