So when we could bear it no longer, we decided to stay on in Athens alone.

For now we are alive again, if you stand firm in the Lord.

But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that.

I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth!

Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my colaborers, greet you too.

For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my anger, ‘They will never enter my rest!’” And yet God’s works were accomplished from the foundation of the world.

And this is what we intend to do, if God permits.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us,

For our God is indeed a devouring fire.

for it is written, “You shall be holy, because I am holy.”

For he received honor and glory from God the Father, when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory: “This is my dear Son, in whom I am delighted.”

and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and announce to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us).

These things I have written to you about those who are trying to deceive you.

(See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we should be called God’s children – and indeed we are! For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know him.

In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

By this love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because just as Jesus is, so also are we in this world.

Furthermore, I will strike her followers with a deadly disease, and then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches minds and hearts. I will repay each one of you what your deeds deserve.

just as I have received the right to rule from my Father – and I will give him the morning star.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish these things but to fulfill them.