Study Desk

I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong.

As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.

Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.

What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them.

It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!