Sober up as you should, and stop sinning! For some have no knowledge of God – I say this to your shame!

We do so because we know that the one who raised up Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus and will bring us with you into his presence.

and I will be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,” says the All-Powerful Lord.

Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia,

For it is not necessary for me to write you about this service to the saints,

And in their prayers on your behalf they long for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown to you.

Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you could be exalted, because I proclaimed the gospel of God to you free of charge?

Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance by signs and wonders and powerful deeds.

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.

I wish I could be with you now and change my tone of voice, because I am perplexed about you.

Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you at all!

Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him,

for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God.

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you.

Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be encouraged by hearing news about you.

Therefore let those of us who are “perfect” embrace this point of view. If you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways.

to the saints, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, at Colossae. Grace and peace to you from God our Father!

Tychicus, a dear brother, faithful minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.