2 Thessalonians 3:9

3:9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate. ¹ 

2 Thessalonians 3:1

Request for Prayer

3:1 Finally, pray for us, brothers and sisters, ²  that the Lord’s message ³  may spread quickly and be honored ⁴  as in fact it was among you,

Colossians 4:16

4:16 And after ⁵  you have read this letter, have it read ⁶  to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea ⁷  as well.

Colossians 1:1

Salutation

1:1 From Paul, ⁸  an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

Philippians 3:17

3:17 Be imitators of me, ⁹  brothers and sisters, ¹⁰  and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example.

Philippians 4:9

4:9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:1

Christian Practices

4:1 So then, my brothers and sisters, ¹¹  dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends!

Philippians 1:6-7

1:6 For I am sure of this very thing, ¹²  that the one ¹³  who began a good work in ¹⁴  you will perfect it ¹⁵  until the day of Christ Jesus. 1:7 For ¹⁶  it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, ¹⁷  since both in my imprisonment ¹⁸  and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you became partners in God’s grace ¹⁹  together with me.

Philippians 1:1

Salutation

1:1 From Paul ²⁰  and Timothy, slaves ²¹  of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, ²²  with the overseers ²³  and deacons.

Philippians 4:12

4:12 I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, ²⁴  whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing.

Titus 2:7

2:7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,

Titus 2:1

Conduct Consistent with Sound Teaching

2:1 But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with ²⁵  sound teaching.

Titus 1:3

1:3 But now in his own time ²⁶  he has made his message evident through the preaching I was entrusted with according to the command of God our Savior.

¹ tn Grk “an example for you to imitate us.”

² tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:3.

³ tn Or “the word of the Lord.”

⁴ tn Grk “may run and be glorified.”

³ tn Grk “when.”

⁴ tn The construction beginning with the imperative ποιήσατε ἵνα…ἀναγνωσθῇ (poihsate Jina…anagnwsqh) should be translated as “have it read” where the conjunction ἵνα functions to mark off its clause as the direct object of the imperative ποιήσατε. The content of the clause (“reading the letter”) is what Paul commands with the imperative ποιήσατε. Thus the translation “have it read” has been used here.

⁵ sn This letter is otherwise unknown, but some have suggested that it is the letter known today as Ephesians.

⁴ tn Grk “Paul.” The word “from” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied to indicate the sender of the letter.

⁵ tn Or “become fellow imitators with me [of Christ].”

⁶ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:12.

⁶ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:12.

⁷ tn Grk “since I am sure of this very thing.” The verse begins with an adverbial participle that is dependent on the main verb in v. 3 (“I thank”). Paul here gives one reason for his thankfulness.

⁸ tn The referent is clearly God from the overall context of the paragraph and the mention of “the day of Christ Jesus” at the end, which would be redundant if Christ were referred to here.

⁹ tn Or “among.”

¹⁰ tn The word “it” is not in the Greek text but has been supplied. Direct objects were frequently omitted in Greek when clear from the context.

⁸ tn Grk “Just as.” The sense here is probably, “So I give thanks (v. 3) just as it is right for me…”

⁹ tn Or possibly “because you have me in your heart.”

¹⁰ tn Grk “in my bonds.” The meaning “imprisonment” derives from a figurative extension of the literal meaning (“bonds,” “fetters,” “chains”), L&N 37.115.

¹¹ tn The word “God’s” is supplied from the context (v. 2) to clarify the meaning.

⁹ tn Grk “Paul.” The word “from” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied to indicate the sender of the letter.

¹⁰ tn Traditionally, “servants” or “bondservants.” Though δοῦλος (doulos) is normally translated “servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free individual serving another. BDAG notes that “‘servant’ for ‘slave’ is largely confined to Biblical transl. and early American times…in normal usage at the present time the two words are carefully distinguished” (BDAG 260 s.v.). The most accurate translation is “bondservant” (sometimes found in the ASV for δοῦλος), in that it often indicates one who sells himself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force.

¹¹ map For location see JP1-C1; JP2-C1; JP3-C1; JP4-C1.

¹² sn The overseers (or “church leaders,” L&N 53.71) is another term for the same official position of leadership as the “elder.” This is seen in the interchange of the two terms in Titus 1:6-7 and in Acts 20:17, 28, as well as in the parallels between Titus 1:6-7 and 1 Tim 3:1-7.

¹⁰ tn The words “of contentment” are not in the Greek text, but are implied by Paul’s remarks at the end of v. 11.

¹¹ tn Grk “say what is fitting for sound teaching” (introducing the behavior called for in this chapter.).

¹² tn The Greek text emphasizes the contrast between vv. 2b and 3a: God promised this long ago but now has revealed it in his own time.