and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

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:

But you know his qualifications, that like a son working with his father, he served with me in advancing the gospel.

– though mine too are significant. If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials, I have more:

I was circumcised on the eighth day, from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law as a Pharisee.

My aim is to know him, to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings, and to be like him in his death,

Therefore let those of us who are “perfect” embrace this point of view. If you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways.

For many live, about whom I have often told you, and now, with tears, I tell you that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.

And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I became a servant of the church according to the stewardship from God – given to me for you – in order to complete the word of God,

rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit to them as though you lived in the world?

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you received the message with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, despite great affliction.

For we never appeared with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is our witness –

This is evidence of God’s righteous judgment, to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which in fact you are suffering.

and to you who are being afflicted to give rest together with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.

Finally, pray for us, brothers and sisters, that the Lord’s message may spread quickly and be honored as in fact it was among you,