⁵ For if we have been joined with Him in the likeness of His death,^(A) we will certainly also be^[a] in the likeness of His resurrection.

Treasure in Clay Jars

⁷ Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power^(A) may be from God and not from us. ⁸ We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; ⁹ we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry the death of Jesus^(B) in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who live are always given over to death^(C) because of Jesus, so that Jesus’ life may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. ¹² So death works in us, but life in you.

⁹ But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power^[a](A) is perfected in weakness.”^(B) Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. ¹⁰ So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ.^(C) For when I am weak, then I am strong.^(D)

¹⁷ From now on, let no one cause me trouble, because I bear on my body scars for the cause of Jesus.^(A)