For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have appointed you to be a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

He gathered these together, along with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity comes from this business.

Some of the disciples from Caesarea came along with us too, and brought us to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, a disciple from the earliest times, with whom we were to stay.

We went on board a ship from Adramyttium that was about to sail to various ports along the coast of the province of Asia and put out to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

But we would like to hear from you what you think, for regarding this sect we know that people everywhere speak against it.”

And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things?

Just as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of armies had not left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, and we would have resembled Gomorrah.”

For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

He is the reason you have a relationship with Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

God has revealed these to us by the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God.

And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

But we will not boast beyond certain limits, but will confine our boasting according to the limits of the work to which God has appointed us, that reaches even as far as you.

Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think,

And even though you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he nevertheless made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions.

He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.

At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.