For it is not the person who commends himself who is approved, but the person the Lord commends.

What I am saying with this boastful confidence I do not say the way the Lord would. Instead it is, as it were, foolishness.

On behalf of such an individual I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.

This is the third time I am coming to visit you. By the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter will be established.

For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong. And we pray for this: that you may become fully qualified.

The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard?

Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows,

And all who will behave in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God.

For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God;

This mystery is great – but I am actually speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

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.

And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight

Now if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean productive work for me, yet I don’t know which I prefer:

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord.

So in all our distress and affliction, we were reassured about you, brothers and sisters, through your faith.

For this is God’s will: that you become holy, that you keep away from sexual immorality,

Consequently God sends on them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false.

But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.

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