He has also made us competent as ministers of a New Agreement [i.e., between Himself and mankind]. It is not [an agreement] based [merely] on a written document [i.e., such as the law of Moses], but on the Holy Spirit, for the written document brings [spiritual] death [See Rom. 8:2], but the Holy Spirit brings [never ending] life.

All [these] things are from God, who restored us to fellowship with Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of restoring [other] people to [such] fellowship.

I was made a minister [of the Gospel] according to the gift of God's unearned favor, which was given to me according to the working of His power.

As

Now I have no command from the Lord concerning [what you wrote about] unmarried women. [Note: The word here is "virgins" but some think it includes both males and females]. But I give my advice as someone who has received the Lord's mercy to be counted trustworthy.

[even] though I had previously spoken against Christ, and persecuted [Christians] and acted outrageously. However, I obtained mercy because I acted out of ignorance, not believing [in Christ].

At one time you [Gentiles] were not a [chosen] people, but now you are God's [special] people. Once you had not received [His] mercy, but now you have received it.

We faint not

Therefore, we do not get discouraged, for though our physical body is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed daily.

And we should not become tired of doing good things, for eventually we will receive [never ending life] if we do not give up.

So, I am asking you people not to become discouraged over my sufferings on your behalf, for they are for your benefit [eventually].

I can do everything through Christ, who gives me the strength.

But you, brothers, should not get tired of doing what is right.

And you have persevered and endured [suffering] for my name's sake [i.e., in my service] and [yet] have not grown weary.

General references

And I was weak, apprehensive and fearful when I was [there] with you. [Note: This probably refers to Paul's sense of inadequacy in view of the task before him].

Dear [friend], you are accomplishing a faithful work whenever you do something for the brothers [traveling in the Lord's work], especially when they are strangers [to you].