because of Christ a sweet fragrance we are to God, in those being saved, and in those being lost;

To lost people [we become] a smell of death [i.e., we bring condemnation to people who reject our message]; to saved people [we become] a fragrance of life [i.e., we bring salvation to people who accept our message]. And who is adequate to [accomplish] such tasks?

In fact, that which once had glory lost its glory, because the other glory surpassed it.

But [in fact] their minds were hardened [for they had lost the ability to understand]; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed [only] in Christ.

So since by the mercy of God I am engaged in this service, I never lose heart.

If our Gospel be yet hid, it is hid among them that are lost,

in every way having been troubled, but not having been hemmed in; having been perplexed, but not utterly at a loss;

So I never lose heart. Though my outer nature is wasting away, my inner is being renewed every day.

I am glad of it now; not because you had your feelings hurt, but because having them hurt led you to repent, for you took it as God meant you to do, so that you should not lose anything at all through me.

Yet I fear that it may turn out that, just as the Serpent by his craftiness deceived Eve, so your minds may have lost the loyalty and purity due from you to the Christ.

I repeat then, let no one think that I am foolish; but even if you do, at least accept me as foolish, so that I too may boast a little.