1Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. 26.2: Is 49.8.For he says,

“At the acceptable time I have listened to you,

and helped you on the day of salvation.”

Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 46.4: 2 Cor 4.8-11; 11.23-27.but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 56.5: Acts 16.23.beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labours, watching, hunger; 6by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, 76.7: 2 Cor 10.4; Rom 13.12; Eph 6.11-12.truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 96.9: Rom 8.36.as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 106.10: Rom 8.32; 1 Cor 3.21.as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

116.11: Ezek 33.22; Is 60.5.Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide. 12You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13In return — I speak as to children — widen your hearts also.

Entanglements

14Do not be mismated with unbelievers. For what partnership have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15What accord has Christ with Be'lial?6.15 Greek Beliar Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 166.16: 1 Cor 10.21; 3.16; Ex 25.8; 29.45; Lev 26.12; Ezek 37.27; Jer 31.1.What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,

“I will live in them and move among them,

and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people.

176.17: Is 52.11.Therefore come out from them,

and be separate from them, says the Lord,

and touch nothing unclean;

then I will welcome you,

186.18: Hos 1.10; Is 43.6.and I will be a father to you,

and you shall be my sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.”