G1510–εἰμί–eimi

For in writing to you I have also this object in view--to discover by experience whether you are prepared to be obedient in every respect.

ἐστε. este “you are.”

For we are a fragrance of Christ grateful to God in those whom He is saving and in those who are perishing;

ἐσμὲν esmen “we are”

We are; for, unlike most teachers, we are not fraudulent hucksters of God's Message; but with transparent motives, as commissioned by God, in God's presence and in communion with Christ, so we speak.

ἐσμεν esmen “we are”

Our letter of recommendation is yourselves--a letter written on our hearts and everywhere known and read.

ἐστε este “are”

For all can see that you are a letter of Christ entrusted to our care, and written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the ever-living God--and not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts as tablets.

ἐστὲ este “you are”

not that of ourselves we are competent to decide anything by our own reasonings, but our competency comes from God.

ἐσμεν esmen “we are”

will not the service of the Spirit be far more glorious?

ἔσται estai “will be”

Now by "the Lord" is meant the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, freedom is enjoyed.

ἐστιν· estin “is;”

If, however, the meaning of our Good News has been veiled, the veil has been on the hearts of those who are on the way to perdition,

ἔστιν estin “is”ἐστὶν estin “it is”

in whom the god of this present age has blinded their unbelieving minds so as to shut out the sunshine of the Good News of the glory of the Christ, who is the image of God.

ἐστιν estin “is”

But we have this treasure in a fragile vase of clay, in order that the surpassing greatness of the power may be seen to belong to God, and not to originate in us.

ᾖ ē “may be”

Yes, we who are in this tent certainly do sigh under our burdens, for we do not wish to lay aside that with which we are now clothed, but to put on more, so that our mortality may be absorbed in Life.

ὄντες ontes “being”

We are to tell how God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not charging men's transgressions to their account, and that He has entrusted to us the Message of this reconciliation.

ἦν ēn “was”

And what compact has the Temple of God with idols? For *we* are the Temple of the ever-living God; as God has said, "I will dwell among them, and walk about among them; and will be their God, and it is they who shall be My people."

ἐσμεν esmen “we are”ἔσομαι esomai “I will be”ἔσονταί esontai “will be”

and you shall be My sons and daughters,' says the Lord the Ruler of all."

ἔσομαι esomai “I will be”ἔσεσθέ esesthe “will be”

I do not say this to imply blame, for, as I have already said, you have such a place in our hearts that we would die with you or live with you.

ἐστε este “you are”

And his strong and tender affection is all the more drawn out towards you when he recalls to mind the obedience which all of you manifested by the timidity and nervous anxiety with which you welcomed him.

ἐστιν estin “are”

For you know the condescending goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ--how for your sakes He became poor, though He was rich, in order that you through His poverty might grow rich.

ὤν, ōn “being,”

And we send with them our brother, of whose zeal we have had frequent proof in many matters, and who is now more zealous than ever through the strong confidence which he has in you.

ὄντα, onta “to be,”

As to the services which are being rendered to God's people, it is really unnecessary for me to write to you.

ἐστιν estin “it is”

Still I send the brethren in order that in this matter our boast about you may not turn out to have been an idle one; so that, as I have said, you may be ready;

ἦτε, ēte “you may be,”

For the service rendered in this sacred gift not only helps to relieve the wants of God's people, but it is also rich in its results and awakens a chorus of thanksgiving to God.

ἐστὶν estin “is”

Let such people take this into their reckoning, that whatever we are in word by our letters when absent, the same are we also in act when present.

ἐσμεν esmen “we are”

For it is not the man that commends himself who is really approved, but he whom the Lord commends.

ἐστιν estin “is”

Christ knows that it is true when I say that I will not be stopped from boasting of this anywhere in Greece.

ἔστιν estin “Is”