2 Corinthians 3:18-4:11

New International Version

¹⁸ And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a](A) the Lord’s glory,^(B) are being transformed into his image^(C) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Present Weakness and Resurrection Life

4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy^(D) we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.^{(E) 2} Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;^(F) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.^(G) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience^(H) in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel^(I) is veiled,^(J) it is veiled to those who are perishing.^{(K) 4} The god^(L) of this age^(M) has blinded^(N) the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,^(O) who is the image of God.^{(P) 5} For what we preach is not ourselves,^(Q) but Jesus Christ as Lord,^(R) and ourselves as your servants^(S) for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[b](T) made his light shine in our hearts^(U) to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.^(V)

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay^(W) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God^(X) and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side,^(Y) but not crushed; perplexed,^(Z) but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted,^(AA) but not abandoned;^(AB) struck down, but not destroyed.^{(AC) 10} We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,^(AD) so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.^{(AE) 11} For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake,^(AF) so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.