For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. {corrupt: or, deal deceitfully with} {in Christ: or, of Christ}

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. {dishonesty: Gr. shame}

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God {is} witness:

Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

Behold, here I {am}: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received {any} bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. {bribe: Heb. ransom} {to blind...: or, that I should hide mine eyes at him}

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort {you} by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, {so} ye would abound more and more. {beseech: or, request} {exhort: or, beseech}

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father {doth} his children,

For such {are} false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. {dishonesty: Gr. shame}

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men {to} edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

My words {shall be of} the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, {let him do it} with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. {giveth: or, imparteth} {with simplicity: or, liberally}

{Let} love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice {to do} to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did {it} in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal.

But in all {things} approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, {approving: Gr. commending}

For whether we be beside ourselves, {it is} to God: or whether we be sober, {it is} for your cause.