That, of Christ, a grateful odour, are we, unto God, - in them who are being saved, and in them who are 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?

Indeed that which once was glorious has lost its glory, because of the glory which surpasses 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.

Because of this, [since we] have this ministry, just as we have been shown mercy, we do not lose heart,

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

in everything being troubled, but not in difficulties incorrigible; being at a loss, but not utterly at a loss;

Therefore we do not lose heart, but even if our outer person is being destroyed, yet our inner [person] is being renewed day after day.

Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us.

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.