Study Desk

so that the Gentiles would praise God for being kind to them. It is just as the Scriptures say, "I will tell the nations about you, and I will sing praises to your name."

He chose me to be a servant of Christ Jesus for the Gentiles and to do the work of a priest in the service of his good news. God did this so that the Holy Spirit could make the Gentiles into a holy offering, pleasing to him.

Because of Christ Jesus, I can take pride in my service for God.

Now there is nothing left for me to do in this part of the world, and for years I have wanted to visit you.

I am now on my way to Jerusalem to deliver the money that the Lord's followers in Macedonia and Achaia collected for God's needy people.

My friends, by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the love that comes from the Holy Spirit, I beg you to pray sincerely with me and for me.

Welcome her in a way that is proper for someone who has faith in the Lord and is one of God's own people. Help her in any way you can. After all, she has proved to be a respected leader for many others, including me.

but they have even risked their lives for me. I am grateful for them and so are all the Gentile churches.

Greet Mary, who has worked so hard for you.

Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who work hard for the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis. She also works hard for the Lord.

My friends, I beg you to watch out for anyone who causes trouble and divides the church by refusing to do what all of you were taught. Stay away from them!

Praise God! He can make you strong by means of my good news, which is the message about Jesus Christ. For ages and ages this message was kept secret,

I never stop thanking my God for being kind enough to give you Christ Jesus,

You are not missing out on any blessings, as you wait for him to return.

Has Christ been divided up? Was I nailed to a cross for you? Were you baptized in my name?

The message about the cross doesn't make any sense to lost people. But for those of us who are being saved, it is God's power at work.

Jews ask for miracles, and Greeks want something that sounds wise.

Our message is God's power and wisdom for the Jews and the Greeks that he has chosen.

We speak of God's hidden and mysterious wisdom that God decided to use for our glory long before the world began.

But it is just as the Scriptures say, "What God has planned for people who love him is more than eyes have seen or ears have heard. It has never even entered our minds!"