Study Desk

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it.

Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.

For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once.

In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,

because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel

For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him.

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.

I became its servant according to God's commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,

For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.

For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me face to face.

For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.