2 Corinthians 4

1 Because of this, having this service, just as we were shown mercy, we do not lose heart; [a] 2 but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor adulterating the word of God, but by the making plain of the truth commending ourselves to every human conscience before God. [b]

3 And even if our good news is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, [d] 4 among whom the god of this age blinded the thoughts of the faithless, so that the light of the good news of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, would not dawn. [e] † 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves because of Jesus. [f] 6 Because the God who said, “Out of darkness light will shine,” is the one who shone in our hearts for the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. [g]

7 But we have this treasure in clay vessels, so that the surpassing measure of the power may be God’s and not from us: [h] 8 in everything afflicted but not in distress; at a loss but not utterly at a loss; [i] 9 persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not perishing; [j]

10 always carrying around in the body the putting to death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made plain in our body. [k] † 11 For we who live are always being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made plain in our mortal flesh. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life in you.

13 And having the same spirit of faith — according to what is written, “I trusted, and therefore I spoke” — we also trust, and therefore we also speak, [l] 14 knowing that the one who raised Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us together with you. [m] 15 For all things are for your sake, so that favor, having increased through the greater number, may make thanksgiving overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart; but even if our outer man is being destroyed, yet our inner one is being renewed day by day. [n] 17 For the momentary lightness of our affliction is working out for us, beyond measure to beyond measure, an everlasting weight of glory, [o] 18 while we are not looking at the things seen but at the things not seen; for the things seen last only a season, but the things not seen are everlasting. [p]