And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,

who are Israelites. To them belong the adoption as sons, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.

It is not as though the word of God had failed. For not all those who are descended from Israel are truly Israel,

even before they were born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose in election would stand, not by works but by his calling) –

Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but (as if it were possible) by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we preach),

Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.

But I ask, have they not heard? Yes, they have: Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

And if it is by grace, it is no longer by works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

Now if their transgression means riches for the world and their defeat means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full restoration bring?

For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

The night has advanced toward dawn; the day is near. So then we must lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light.

Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. For although all things are clean, it is wrong to cause anyone to stumble by what you eat.

For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in order to bring about the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,

so that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and provide her with whatever help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many, including me.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you.

Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my good friend Stachys.

Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, laborers in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord.