but in the church I want to speak five words with my mind to instruct others, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

It is written in the law: “By people with strange tongues and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people, yet not even in this way will they listen to me,” says the Lord.

But when the one who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace was pleased

and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as though I were an angel of God, as though I were Christ Jesus himself!

From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.

Pray for me also, that I may be given the message when I begin to speak – that I may confidently make known the mystery of the gospel,

and most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly.

complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose.

Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face.

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).

Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands.

May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment.

You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance,

But to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

“Therefore, I became provoked at that generation and said, ‘Their hearts are always wandering and they have not known my ways.’

So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming high priest, but the one who glorified him was God, who said to him, “You are my Son! Today I have fathered you,”

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.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him?