Not ¹  only this, but we also rejoice ²  in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation.

But thanks be to God that though you were slaves to sin, you obeyed ¹  from the heart that pattern ²  of teaching you were entrusted to,

But now, freed ¹  from sin and enslaved to God, you have your benefit ²  leading to sanctification, and the end is eternal life.

But who indeed are you – a mere human being ¹  – to talk back to God? ²  Does what is molded say to the molder, “Why have you made me like this?” ³ 

For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God.” ¹ 

For the wisdom of this age is foolishness with God. As it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” ¹ 

Now food will not bring us close to God. We are no worse if we do not eat and no better if we do.

For it is written in the law of Moses, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” ¹  God is not concerned here about oxen, is he?

No, I mean that what the pagans sacrifice ¹  is to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be partners with demons.

Then ¹  comes the end, ²  when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when he has brought to an end all rule and all authority and power.

But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession ¹  in Christ ²  and who makes known ³  through us the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him in every place.

Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, ¹  we try to persuade ²  people, ³  but we are well known ⁴  to God, and I hope we are well known to your consciences too.

because the service of this ministry is not only providing for ¹  the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God.

and to enlighten ¹  everyone about God’s secret plan ²  – a secret that has been hidden for ages ³  in God ⁴  who has created all things.

and live ¹  in love, just as Christ also loved us ²  and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering ³  to God.

For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent – a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God.

And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

From Paul ¹  and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians ²  in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you! ³ 

But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, ¹  as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God ²  in spite of much opposition.

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.