2 Corinthians 5:11

The Message of Reconciliation

5:11 Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, ¹  we try to persuade ²  people, ³  but we are well known ⁴  to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.

2 Corinthians 7:1

Self-Purification

7:1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves ⁵  from everything that could defile the body ⁶  and the spirit, and thus accomplish ⁷  holiness out of reverence for God. ⁸ 

2 Corinthians 11:15

11:15 Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves ⁹  as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions. ¹⁰ 

[5:11]  ¹ tn Or “because we know what it means to fear the Lord.”

[5:11]  ² tn The present tense of πείθομεν (peiqomen) has been translated as a conative present.

[5:11]  ³ tn Grk “men”; but ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo") is generic here since clearly both men and women are in view (Paul did not attempt to win only men to the gospel he preached).

[5:11]  ⁴ tn Or “clearly evident.” BDAG 1048 s.v. φανερόω 2.b.β has “θεῷ πεφανερώμεθα we are well known to God 2 Cor 5:11a, cp. 11b; 11:6 v.l.”

[7:1]  ⁵ tn Or “purify ourselves.”

[7:1]  ⁶ tn Grk “from every defilement of the flesh.”

[7:1]  ⁷ tn Grk “accomplishing.” The participle has been translated as a finite verb due to considerations of contemporary English style, and “thus” has been supplied to indicate that it represents a result of the previous cleansing.

[7:1]  ⁸ tn Grk “in the fear of God.”

[11:15]  ⁹ tn Or “also masquerade.”

[11:15]  ¹⁰ tn Or “their works.”