For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God.”

Therefore do not let what you consider good be spoken of as evil.

For even Christ did not please himself, but just as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”

to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. I serve the gospel of God like a priest, so that the Gentiles may become an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

So I boast in Christ Jesus about the things that pertain to God.

And in this way I desire to preach where Christ has not been named, so as not to build on another person’s foundation,

But now there is nothing more to keep me in these regions, and I have for many years desired to come to you

Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to join fervently with me in prayer to God on my behalf.

Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,

Also greet the church in their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.

Greet Herodion, my compatriot. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

For these are the kind who do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By their smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of the naive.

Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus the city treasurer and our brother Quartus greet you.

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that had been kept secret for long ages,