2 Corinthians 4:5

4:5 For we do not proclaim ¹  ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves ²  for Jesus’ sake.

2 Corinthians 4:11

4:11 For we who are alive are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible ³  in our mortal body. ⁴ 

2 Corinthians 12:10

12:10 Therefore I am content with ⁵  weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties ⁶  for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:1

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

12:1 It is necessary to go on boasting. ⁷  Though it is not profitable, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.

2 Corinthians 6:13-14

6:13 Now as a fair exchange – I speak as to my ⁸  children – open wide your hearts to us ⁹  also.

Unequal Partners

6:14 Do not become partners ¹⁰  with those who do not believe, for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:2

6:2 For he says, “I heard you at the acceptable time, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” ¹¹  Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation!

2 Corinthians 4:1

Paul’s Perseverance in Ministry

4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as God has shown us mercy, ¹²  we do not become discouraged. ¹³ 

¹ tn Or “preach.”

² tn Traditionally, “servants.” Though δοῦλος (doulos) is normally translated “servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free individual serving another. BDAG notes that “‘servant’ for ‘slave’ is largely confined to Biblical transl. and early American times…in normal usage at the present time the two words are carefully distinguished” (BDAG 260 s.v.). The most accurate translation is “bondservant” (sometimes found in the ASV for δοῦλος), in that it often indicates one who sells himself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force.

³ tn Or “may also be revealed.”

⁴ tn Grk “mortal flesh.”

⁵ tn Or “I take delight in.”

⁶ tn Or “calamities.”

⁷ tn Grk “Boasting is necessary.”

⁸ tn The word “my” is not in the Greek text but is implied.

⁹ tn The words “to us” are not in the Greek text but are implied.

¹⁰ tn Or “Do not be mismatched.”

¹¹ sn A quotation from Isa 49:8.

¹² tn Grk “just as we have been shown mercy”; ἠλεήθημεν (hlehqhmen) has been translated as a “divine passive” which is a circumlocution for God as the active agent. For clarity this was converted to an active construction with God as subject in the translation.

¹³ tn Or “we do not lose heart.”