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.

The latter do so from love because they know that I am placed here for the defense of the gospel.

As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you.

Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you can rejoice and I can be free from anxiety.

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.

Not that I have already attained this – that is, I have not already been perfected – but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me.

who will transform these humble bodies of ours into the likeness of his glorious body by means of that power by which he is able to subject all things to himself.