1Therefore seeing we have this ministry , even as we obtained mercy , we faint not : 2but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness , nor handling the word of God deceitfully ; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man ’s conscience in the sight of God . 3And even if our gospel is veiled , it is veiled in them that perish: 4in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ , who is the image of God , should not dawn upon them . 5For we preach not ourselves , but Christ Jesus as Lord , and ourselves as your servants for Jesus ’ sake . 6Seeing it is God , that said , Light shall shine out of darkness , who shined in our hearts , to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ .
Treasure in Jars of Clay
7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels , that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God , and not from ourselves ; 8we are pressed on every side , yet not straitened ; perplexed, yet not unto despair ; 9pursued, yet not forsaken ; smitten down , yet not destroyed; 10always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus , that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body . 11For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus ’ sake , that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh . 12So then death worketh in us , but life in you .
Perseverance in Suffering
13But having the same spirit of faith , according to that which is written , I believed , and therefore did I speak ; we also believe , and therefore also we speak ; 14knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also with Jesus , and shall present us with you . 15For all things are for your sakes , that the grace , being multiplied through the many , may cause the thanksgiving to abound unto the glory of God .
The Eternal Perspective
16Wherefore we faint not ; but though our outward man is decaying , yet our inward man is renewed day by day . 17For our light affliction , which is for the moment , worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory ; 18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal ; but the things which are not seen are eternal.