Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the descendant to whom the promise had been made. It was administered through angels by an intermediary.

Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace

toward the administration of the fullness of the times, to head up all things in Christ – the things in heaven and the things on earth.

Now this secret was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,

and to enlighten everyone about God’s secret plan – a secret that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things.

to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes.

so that he may present the church to himself as glorious – not having a stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.

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 most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly.

I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far,

and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation – a sign which is from God.

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those who have not met me face to face.

Let no one who delights in humility and the worship of angels pass judgment on you. That person goes on at great lengths about what he has supposedly seen, but he is puffed up with empty notions by his fleshly mind.

who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us severely. They are displeasing to God and are opposed to all people,

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.

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all.

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

Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity.