So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,

But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but raise them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him,

but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature.

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.

I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account.

For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief,

(Stop drinking just water, but use a little wine for your digestion and your frequent illnesses.)

For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God’s message is not imprisoned!

At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me – may they not be held accountable for it.

And no one assumes this honor on his own initiative, but only when called to it by God, as in fact Aaron was.

Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are perverse.

For you were going astray like sheep but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

for no prophecy was ever borne of human impulse; rather, men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

and if he did not spare the ancient world, but did protect Noah, a herald of righteousness, along with seven others, when God brought a flood on an ungodly world,

But you do have this going for you: You hate what the Nicolaitans practice – practices I also hate.

Go and learn what this saying means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”