Study Desk

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

For if your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy by your food someone for whom Christ died.

For the kingdom of God does not consist of food and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

For the one who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people.

So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for building up one another.

Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. For although all things are clean, it is wrong to cause anyone to stumble by what you eat.

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good to build him up.

For even Christ did not please himself, but just as it is written, " The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me ."

For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.

For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God's truth to confirm the promises made to the fathers,

and thus the Gentiles glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, " Because of this I will confess you among the Gentiles , and I will sing praises to your name ."

For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in order to bring about the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,

But now there is nothing more to keep me in these regions, and I have for many years desired to come to you

when I go to Spain. For I hope to visit you when I pass through and that you will help me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.

For Macedonia and Achaia are pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

For they were pleased to do this, and indeed they are indebted to the Jerusalem saints. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are obligated also to minister to them in material things.

Therefore after I have completed this and have safely delivered this bounty to them, I will set out for Spain by way of you,

so that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and provide her with whatever help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many, including me.

who risked their own necks for my life. Not only I, but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you.