2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore, because we have this ministry, and just as we have received mercy, we do not become discouraged.
Therefore, being engaged in this service and being mindful of the mercy which has been shown us, we are not cowards.
2 Instead, we have rejected secret and shameful ways. We do not live by craftiness, and we do not mishandle the word of God. By presenting the truth, we recommend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
Nay, we have renounced the secrecy which marks a feeling of shame. We practice no cunning tricks, nor do we adulterate God's Message. But by a full clear statement of the truth we strive to commend ourselves in the presence of God to every human conscience.
3 But if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.
If, however, the meaning of our Good News has been veiled, the veil has been on the hearts of those who are on the way to perdition,
4 In their case, the god of this world has blinded their unbelieving minds. As a result, they are not able to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (aiōn g165)
in whom the god of this present age has blinded their unbelieving minds so as to shut out the sunshine of the Good News of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God. (aiōn g165)
5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
(For we do not proclaim ourselves, but we proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bondservants for the sake of Jesus.)
6 For God is the one who said, “Light will shine out of darkness.” He has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the presence of Jesus Christ.
For God who said, "Out of darkness let light shine," is He who has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory, which is radiant on the face of Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, so that it is clear that the exceedingly great power belongs to God and not to us.
But we have this treasure in a fragile vase of clay, in order that the surpassing greatness of the power may be seen to belong to God, and not to originate in us.
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not overwhelmed. We are perplexed but not filled with despair.
We are hard pressed, yet never in absolute distress; perplexed, yet never utterly baffled;
9 We are persecuted but not forsaken. We are struck down but not destroyed.
pursued, yet never left unsuccoured; struck to the ground, yet never slain;
10 We always carry in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be shown in our bodies.
always, wherever we go, carrying with us in our bodies the putting to death of Jesus, so that in our bodies it may also be clearly shown that Jesus lives.
11 We who are alive are always carrying around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be shown in our body.
For we, alive though we are, are continually surrendering ourselves to death for the sake of Jesus, so that in this mortal nature of ours it may also be clearly shown that Jesus lives.
12 So death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
Thus we are constantly dying, while you are in full enjoyment of Life.
13 But we have the same spirit of faith according to that which was written: “I believed, and so I spoke.” We also believe, and so we also speak,
But possessing the same Spirit of faith as he who wrote, "I believed, and therefore I have spoken," we also believe, and therefore we speak.
14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.
For we know that He who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will raise us also to be with Jesus, and will cause both us and you to stand in His own presence.
15 Everything is for your sake so that, as grace is spread to many people, thanksgiving may increase to the glory of God.
For everything is for your sakes, in order that grace, being more richly bestowed because of the thanksgivings of the increased number, may more and more promote the glory of God.
16 So we do not become discouraged. Even though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
Therefore we are not cowards. Nay, even though our outward man is wasting away, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day.
17 For this momentary, light affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory that exceeds all measurement. (aiōnios g166)
For this our light and transitory burden of suffering is achieving for us a preponderating, yes, a vastly preponderating, and eternal weight of glory; (aiōnios g166)
18 For we are not watching for things that are seen, but for things that are unseen. The things that we can see are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (aiōnios g166)
while we look not at things seen, but things unseen; for things seen are temporary, but things unseen are eternal. (aiōnios g166)
