For when we were in the flesh, the sinful desires, aroused by the law, were active in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.

To them belong the patriarchs, and from them, by human descent, came the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever! Amen.

And what if he is willing to make known the wealth of his glory on the objects of mercy that he has prepared beforehand for glory –

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever! Amen.

God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something,

For this reason, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

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

The churches in the province of Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, with the church that meets in their house.

For every one of God’s promises are “Yes” in him; therefore also through him the “Amen” is spoken, to the glory we give to God.

But if anyone has caused sadness, he has not saddened me alone, but to some extent (not to exaggerate) he has saddened all of you as well.

Therefore we do not despair, but even if our physical body is wearing away, our inner person is being renewed day by day.

Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy, because I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

But be that as it may, I have not burdened you. Yet because I was a crafty person, I took you in by deceit!

who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age according to the will of our God and Father,

I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my nation, and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him,

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,

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.