Paul writes that he is honest in his ministry by preaching Christ, not praising himself. He shows the death and the life of Jesus in how he lives so that life can work in the Corinthian believers.
This phrase explains how Paul and his coworkers "have this ministry." It is a gift that God has given to them through his mercy. AT: "because God has shown us mercy" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
The word "secret" describes the things that people do secretly. Things that are shameful should cause people who do them to feel ashamed. AT: "the things that people do secretly because they cause shame" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
This phrase uses two negative thoughts to express a positive thought. AT: "we use the word of God correctly" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
This refers to God's presence. God's understanding and approval of Paul's truthfulness is referred to as God being able to see them. AT: "before God" or "with God as witness" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])