1. But, as a help to you, we exhort you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
2. For he says: "In a favorable time, I heeded you; and on the day of salvation, I helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
3. May we never give offense to anyone, so that our ministry may not be disparaged.
4. But in all things, let us exhibit ourselves as ministers of God with great patience: through tribulation, difficulties, and distress;
5. despite wounds, imprisonment, and rebellion; with hard work, vigilance, and fasting;
6. by chastity, knowledge, and longsuffering; in pleasantness, in the Holy Spirit, and in unfeigned charity;
7. with the Word of truth, with the power of God, and with the armor of justice to the right and to the left;
8. through honor and dishonor, despite good reports and bad, whether seen as deceivers or truth-tellers, whether ignored or acknowledged;
9. as if dying and yet truly alive; as if chastised and yet not subdued;