< 2 Corinthians 4 >
1 Therefore having this ministry, as we have obtained mercy, we faint not;
2 but we lay aside the hidden things of disgrace, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but in the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every conscience of men, before God.
3 But if indeed our gospel is hidden, it is hidden with those who are lost:
4 in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who believe not, in order that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, may not shine on them. (aiōn )
5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 Because God is the one, having said; Out of the darkness the light shall shine, which shone in our hearts, to the enlightenment of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, in order that the excellency of the power, may be of God, and not of us;
8 in everything being troubled, but not in difficulties incorrigible; being at a loss, but not utterly at a loss;
9 being persecuted, but not forsaken; being cast down, but not destroyed;
10 always bearing about the dying of Jesus in our body, in order that the life of Jesus may also be made manifest in our bodies.
11 For we while living are always being delivered up to death for the sake of Jesus, in order that the life of Jesus may be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So that death works in us, but life in you.
13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which has been written, I believed, therefore I also spoke; and we believe, therefore we also speak;
14 knowing that the one having raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us along with Jesus, and present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, in order that the grace, overflowing with thanksgiving through many, may abound unto the glory of God.
16 Therefore we faint not; but if indeed our external man perishes, yet our internal man is renewed day by day.
17 For the light burden of our affliction, which is evanescent, is working out for us an eternal weight of glory according to hyperbole unto hyperbole; (aiōnios )
18 we not looking at the things which are visible, but the things which are invisible; for the visible things are temporary, but the invisible things are eternal. (aiōnios )
