because the husband is the head of the wife as also Christ is the head of the church – he himself being the savior of the body.

because you know that each person, whether slave or free, if he does something good, this will be rewarded by the Lord.

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.

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel:

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

But you know his qualifications, that like a son working with his father, he served with me in advancing the gospel.

Indeed, he greatly missed all of you and was distressed because you heard that he had been ill.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.

I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account.

because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.

For I can testify that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless.

so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know.

For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

And we are confident about you in the Lord that you are both doing – and will do – what we are commanding.

It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate.

even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief,

You know that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

Since I was confident that you would obey, I wrote to you, because I knew that you would do even more than what I am asking you to do.