For we were not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach as far as you, because we were the first to reach as far as you with the gospel about Christ.

As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.

Are they servants of Christ? (I am talking like I am out of my mind!) I am even more so: with much greater labors, with far more imprisonments, with more severe beatings, facing death many times.

And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows)

Have you been thinking all this time that we have been defending ourselves to you? We are speaking in Christ before God, and everything we do, dear friends, is to build you up.

But when the one who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace was pleased

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)

and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as though I were an angel of God, as though I were Christ Jesus himself!

Where then is your sense of happiness now? For I testify about you that if it were possible, you would have pulled out your eyes and given them to me!

I am confident in the Lord that you will accept no other view. But the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.

envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ.

In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will

For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.

I became a servant of this gospel according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the exercise of his power.

So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you, so that you too may know about my circumstances, how I am doing.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

What is the result? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.