2 Corinthians 6:3-10

Paraphrase. 'We avoid all conduct which might bring reproach upon our ministry; (4) and try, on the contrary, to commend ourselves by acting as true ministers of God. (5) This is our aim in all the trials and persecutions we endure, (6, 7) for we seek to exhibit all the Christian graces both in our life and in our teaching. (8) Whether we are held in honour or defamed our object is the same: (9) we are looked upon as deceivers, but we remain true; we are obscure, but known by our work; we are often at death's door, but through God's grace we live; (10) we are cast down, but are enabled to rejoice through Christ; in our poverty we enrich many with spiritual blessings; though having nothing of ourselves we have all through Christ.'