But regarding the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter, having decided that they should avoid meat that has been sacrificed to idols and blood and what has been strangled and sexual immorality.”

Then the commanding officer came up and arrested him and ordered him to be tied up with two chains; he then asked who he was and what he had done.

For the kingdom of God does not consist of food and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

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

those with tears like those not weeping, those who rejoice like those not rejoicing, those who buy like those without possessions,

Do we not have the right to the company of a believing wife, like the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?

Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when he has brought to an end all rule and all authority and power.

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.

With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints.

And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith,

But for now I have considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. For he is my brother, coworker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to me in my need.

Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.

bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.

Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful.

And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you,

In this matter no one should violate the rights of his brother or take advantage of him, because the Lord is the avenger in all these cases, as we also told you earlier and warned you solemnly.

even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

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.

All is pure to those who are pure. But to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their minds and consciences are corrupted.