1Therefore seeing we have this ministry , as we have received mercy , we faint not ; 2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty , not walking in craftiness , nor handling the word of God deceitfully ; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God . 3But if our gospel be hid , it is hid to them that are lost : 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not , lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ , who is the image of God , should shine unto them . 5For we preach not ourselves , but Christ Jesus the Lord ; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake . 6For God , who commanded the light to shine out of darkness , hath 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 excellency of the power may be of God , and not of us . 8We are troubled on every side , yet not distressed ; we are perplexed , but not in despair ; 9Persecuted , but not forsaken ; cast down , but not destroyed ; 10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus , that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body . 11For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake , that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh . 12So then death worketh in us , but life in you .
Perseverance in Suffering
13We having the same spirit of faith , according as it is written , I believed , and therefore have I spoken ; we also believe , and therefore speak ; 14Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus , and shall present us with you . 15For all things are for your sakes , that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God .
The Eternal Perspective
16For which cause we faint not ; but though our outward man perish , yet the inward man is renewed day by day . 17For our light affliction , which is but for a moment , worketh for us a far more exceeding and 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 .