1 WE then, as workers together ^bwith him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

2 (For he saith, [God said through his prophet Isaiah; Isa. xlix. 8] I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) [see Alma 34:31–33.]

3 Giving no offence [ Do you find it interesting that Pauls starts by referring to offense? How many people do you personally know that have left the church becuse they were given to some sort of offense? Why is ist important that we don't put our selves in a place or doing a thing that might offend? ] in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, [ What characteristics does Paul teach that we should develop as his ministers? ] in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, [Such straits and difficulties as were absolutely unavoidable and insurmountable. The word implies, being reduced to a narrow place, driven to a corner, hemmed in on every side, as the Israelites were at the Red Sea; the sea before them, Pharaoh and his host behind them, and Egyptian fortresses on either hand. God alone could bring them out of such difficulties, when their enemies themselves saw that the wilderness had shut them in. So was it often with the apostles; all human help failed, and their deliverance came from God alone. ]

5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, [The agitations, or tossings as the consequences of their calling, they are obilged to flee from place to place in order to survive persecution] in labours, [That they labored with their own hands to provide the necessities for life] in watchings, [The many nights that they went without sleep or rest] in fastings; [Both thru voluntary that they might stay humble; and close to the spirit - as well as the involuntary fasting were they just did not have food during their labors]

6 By pureness, [with simple intention, with holiness] by knowledge, [of the Gospel and the understanding of the mysteries of God] by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, [Love without hypocrisy]

7 By the word of truth, [The true doctrines contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ] by the power of God, [Called an set apart as his disciples, using the power of both the Holy Ghost and the power of the priesthood.] by the armour of righteousness [see Eph. 6: 13-17 Armour of God - consisting of the following pieces: the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. ] on the right hand and on the left,

8 By honour and dishonour, [experiencing both honor and dishonor as a representative of Christ] by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, [without purse or script] yet making many rich; [ In what ways did they make others rich when they were poor? They taught them the knowledge of God. The purpose of life.] as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. [ How does one who has the gospel have nothing and yet have all things? ]

11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. [As used in scripture, the word bowels very often refers to the center of pity or kindness. When we feel love or compassion for someone or something, we usually experience pain within. “Let thy bowels be full of charity towards all men” (D&C 121:45) means, “Demonstrate a Christlike love for others.” As used here the word bowels is part of a larger expression, “ye are straitened in your own bowels.” It is simply Paul’s way of telling the Corinthians that they had not been restricted by any lack of affection on his part but rather by their own failure to show a proper love and compassion. Similar uses of the word in the New Testament are found in Philippians 1:8; 2:1; Colossians 3:12; and 1 John 3:17.]

13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: [ “What are we to do then; Shall we bring upon ourselves the unhappiness of a divided household? Shall we profit by the voice of experience and marry within our own faith? “. . . The obvious answer to everyone is, marry within your own faith. If you are a Presbyterian, marry a Presbyterian. If you are a Catholic, marry a Catholic. If you are of the house of Judah, marry within your own faith. If you are a Mormon, marry a Mormon.” (Mark E. Petersen in CR, Apr. 1958, p. 106.) ] for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.