Paul’s Change of Plans

¹² Now this is our boast: Our conscience^(A) testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity^[a](B) and godly sincerity.^(C) We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom^(D) but on God’s grace.

Thanksgiving

³ I thank God,^(A) whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience,^(B) as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.^(C)

¹⁶ So I strive always to keep my conscience clear^(A) before God and man.

⁴ My conscience^(A) is clear, but that does not make me innocent.^(B) It is the Lord who judges me.^(C)

² Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;^(A) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.^(B) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience^(C) in the sight of God.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹¹ Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord,^(A) we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.^(B)

¹⁸ Pray for us.^(A) We are sure that we have a clear conscience^(B) and desire to live honorably in every way.