For this is what the promise declared: “About a year from now I will return and Sarah will have a son.”

But about Israel he says, “All day long I held out my hands to this disobedient and stubborn people!”

Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Seeing that I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,

and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea,

And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.

Look at the people of Israel. Are not those who eat the sacrifices partners in the altar?

Am I saying that idols or food sacrificed to them amount to anything?

Not all are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are they? Not all perform miracles, do they?

Not all have gifts of healing, do they? Not all speak in tongues, do they? Not all interpret, do they?

So then, brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid anyone from speaking in tongues.

And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is futile and your faith is empty.

With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia:

Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong.

For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow toward us, so also our comfort through Christ overflows to you.

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing,

through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise; regarded as impostors, and yet true;

For it is not necessary for me to write you about this service to the saints,

Just as it is written, “He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.”

I wish that you would be patient with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you are being patient with me!

Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance by signs and wonders and powerful deeds.