It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

For there is no one here like him who will readily demonstrate his deep concern for you.

And you were at one time strangers and enemies in your minds as expressed through your evil deeds,

For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions.

I, Paul, write this greeting by my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

For the appeal we make does not come from error or impurity or with deceit,

You are witnesses, and so is God, as to how holy and righteous and blameless our conduct was toward you who believe.

Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God.

As I remember your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.

Reject a divisive person after one or two warnings.

I am appealing to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become during my imprisonment, that is, Onesimus,

For if the message spoken through angels proved to be so firm that every violation or disobedience received its just penalty,

And no one assumes this honor on his own initiative, but only when called to it by God, as in fact Aaron was.

But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is useless and about to be cursed; its fate is to be burned.

by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and afflictions, and at other times you came to share with others who were treated in that way.

For those who speak in such a way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic.