¹² Since we have such a hope, ^(A)we are very bold, ¹³ not like Moses, ^(B)who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. ¹⁴ But ^(C)their minds were ^(D)hardened. For to this day, ^(E)when they read ^(F)the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. ¹⁶ But when ^(G)one^[a] turns to the Lord, ^(H)the veil is removed. ¹⁷ Now the Lord^[b] is the Spirit, and where ^(I)the Spirit of the Lord is, there is ^(J)freedom. ¹⁸ And we all, with unveiled face, ^(K)beholding ^(L)the glory of the Lord,^{[c] (M)}are being transformed into the same image ^(N)from one degree of glory to another.^[d] For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

The Light of the Gospel

4 Therefore, having ^(A)this ministry ^(B)by the mercy of God,^[a] we do not lose heart. ² But we have renounced ^(C)disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice^[b] cunning or ^(D)to tamper with God's word, but ^(E)by the open statement of the truth ^(F)we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. ³ And even ^(G)if our gospel is veiled, ^(H)it is veiled to ^(I)those who are perishing. ⁴ In their case ^(J)the god of this world ^(K)has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing ^(L)the light of ^(M)the gospel of the glory of Christ, ^(N)who is the image of God. ⁵ For what ^(O)we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ^(P)ourselves as your servants^[c] for Jesus' sake. ⁶ For God, who said, ^(Q)“Let light shine out of darkness,” ^(R)has shone in our hearts to give ^(S)the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.