2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Because of this (having this ministry), in as much as we received mercy, we do not become discouraged.
2 No, we have renounced the secrecy prompted by shame, refusing to adopt crafty ways, or to tamper with God’s message, and commending ourselves to everyone’s conscience, in the sight of God, by our exhibition of the truth.
But we have renounced the covert things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor misrepresenting the word of God, but by the disclosure of the truth, commending ourselves to every conscience of men before God.
3 And, even if the good news that we bring is veiled, it is veiled only in the case of those who are on the path to ruin –
But even if our good news is concealed, it is concealed in those who are perishing,
4 people whose minds have been blinded by the God of this age, unbelievers as they are, so that the light from the good news of the glory of the Christ, who is the incarnation of God, should not shine for them. (aiōn g165)
in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, in order for the light of the good news of the glory of the Christ (who is a likeness of God) not to shine forth to them. (aiōn g165)
5 (For it is not ourselves that we proclaim, but Christ Jesus, as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.)
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves are your bondmen through Jesus.
6 Indeed, the same God who said “Out of darkness light will shine,” has shone in on our hearts, so that we should bring out into the light the knowledge of the glory of God, seen in the face of Christ.
Because it is God who said, Out of darkness light is to shine, who shone in our hearts for an enlightenment of the knowledge of the glory of God in the presence of Jesus Christ.
7 This treasure we have in these earthen vessels, so that its all-prevailing power may be seen to come from God, and not to be our own.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the excellence of the power may be of God and not from us,
8 Though hard pressed on every side, we are never hemmed in; though perplexed, never driven to despair;
restricted in everything, yet not confined, perplexed but not despairing,
9 though pursued, never abandoned; though struck down, never killed!
persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed.
10 We always bear on our bodies the marks of the death that Jesus died, so that the life also of Jesus may be exhibited in our bodies.
Always carrying around in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that also the life of Jesus may be made visible in our body.
11 Indeed, we who still live are continually being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life also of Jesus may be exhibited in our mortal nature.
For we who live are always given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that also the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh.
12 And so, while death is at work within us, life is at work within you.
So death indeed works in us, but life in you.
13 But, in the same spirit of faith as that expressed in the words – “I believed, and therefore I spoke,” we, also believe, and therefore speak.
And having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we also believe, and therefore we speak,
14 For we know that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with him, and will bring us, with you, into his presence.
knowing that he who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up through Jesus, and will present us with you.
15 For all this is for your sakes, so that the loving kindness of God, spreading from heart to heart, may cause yet more hearts to overflow with thanksgiving, to his glory.
For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace, which has multiplied because of the thankfulness of the many, may abound for the glory of God.
16 Therefore, as I said, we do not lose heart. No, even though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Therefore we are not discouraged, but even if the outer man of us is perishing, yet the inner man is renewed day by day.
