2 Corinthians, 6

1. We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

1. Being God's helpers we beg you: let it not be in vain that you received this grace of God.

2. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.)

2. Scripture says: At the favorable time I listened to you, on the day of salvation I helped you. This is the favorable time, this is the day of salvation.

3. Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

3. We are concerned not to give anyone an occasion to stumble or criticize our mission.

4. But in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

4. Instead we prove we are true ministers of God in every way by our endurance in so many trials, in hardships, afflictions,

5. In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

5. floggings, imprisonment, riots, fatigue, sleepless nights and days of hunger.

6. By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

6. People can notice in our upright life, knowledge, patience and kindness, action of the Holy Spirit, sincere love,

7. By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

7. words of truth and power of God. So we fight with the weapons of justice, to attack as well as to defend.

8. By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and [yet] true;

8. Sometimes we are honored, at other times insulted; we receive criticism as well as praise. We are regarded as liars although we speak the truth;

9. As unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

9. as unknown though we are well known; as dead and yet we live. Punishments come upon us but we have not, as yet, been put to death.

10. As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.

10. We appear to be afflicted, yet always joyful; we seem to be poor, but we enrich many; we have nothing, but we possess everything!

11. O [ye] Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

11. Corinthians! I have spoken to you frankly and I have uncovered my inner thought.

12. Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

12. My heart is wide open to you, but you feel uneasy because of your closed heart:

13. Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto [my] children,) be ye also enlarged.

13. repay us with the same measure - I speak to you as to my children - open your hearts wide also.

14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

14. Do not make unsuitable covenants with those who do not believe: can justice walk with wickedness? Or can light coexist with darkness,

15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

15. and can there be harmony between Christ and Satan? What union can there be between one who believes and one who does not believe?

16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

16. God's temple must have no room for idols, and we are the temple of the living God. As Scripture says; I will dwell and live in their midst, I will be their God and they shall be my people.

17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

17. Therefore: Come out from their midst and separate from them, says the Lord. Do not touch anything unclean

18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

18. and I will be gracious to you. I will be a father to you, that you may become my sons and daughters, says the all-powerful God.