As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.

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

The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is blessed forever, knows I am not lying.

to reveal his Son in me so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not go to ask advice from any human being,

envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!

But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

far above every rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

I became a servant of this gospel according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the exercise of his power.

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

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).

with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time (in presence, not in affection) we became all the more fervent in our great desire to see you in person.

Now on the topic of brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.

Now we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope.

Now when they are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction comes on them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will surely not escape.

For even when we were with you, we used to give you this command: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.”

realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,

For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle – I am telling the truth; I am not lying – and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

And besides that, going around from house to house they learn to be lazy, and they are not only lazy, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not.