For we were not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach as far as you, because we were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel about Christ.

Therefore it is not surprising his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will correspond to their actions.

I say again, let no one think that I am a fool. But if you do, then at least accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.

(To my disgrace I must say that we were too weak for that!) But whatever anyone else dares to boast about (I am speaking foolishly), I also dare to boast about the same thing.

Now this secret was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,

In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Nevertheless, each one of you must also love his own wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart as to Christ,

so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching – like those who are strictly people-pleasers – but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.

But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.

The reason I left you in Crete was to set in order the remaining matters and to appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

For the overseer must be blameless as one entrusted with God’s work, not arrogant, not prone to anger, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy for gain.

However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness.

and like a robe you will fold them up and like a garment they will be changed, but you are the same and your years will never run out.”

As it says, “Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

By faith he lived as a foreigner in the promised land as though it were a foreign country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs of the same promise.

And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you.

you yourselves, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood and to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.