And this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.”

Just as you were formerly disobedient to God, but have now received mercy due to their disobedience,

so they too have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy.

For this reason Christ died and returned to life, so that he may be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

I am not writing these things to shame you, but to correct you as my dear children.

Let each one remain in that situation in life in which he was called.

In whatever situation someone was called, brothers and sisters, let him remain in it with God.

But if someone loves God, he is known by God.

But be careful that this liberty of yours does not become a hindrance to the weak.

This is my defense to those who examine me.

For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward. But if I do it unwillingly, I am entrusted with a responsibility.

For this reason a woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

That is why many of you are weak and sick, and quite a few are dead.

There are probably many kinds of languages in the world, and none is without meaning.

Whether then it was I or they, this is the way we preach and this is the way you believed.

also to submit to people like this, and to everyone who cooperates in the work and labors hard.

For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this.

And with this confidence I intended to come to you first so that you would get a second opportunity to see us,

So I made up my own mind not to pay you another painful visit.

Now we have such confidence in God through Christ.