Study Desk

As the scripture says, "God made their minds and hearts dull; to this very day they cannot see or hear."

May their eyes be blinded so that they cannot see; and make them bend under their troubles at all times."

Here we see how kind and how severe God is. He is severe toward those who have fallen, but kind to you—if you continue in his kindness. But if you do not, you too will be broken off.

As the scripture says, "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand."

But now that I have finished my work in these regions and since I have been wanting for so many years to come to see you,

I hope to do so now. I would like to see you on my way to Spain, and be helped by you to go there, after I have enjoyed visiting you for a while.

What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete—as complete as God's knowledge of me.

I want to see you more than just briefly in passing; I hope to spend quite a long time with you, if the Lord allows.

We are not like Moses, who had to put a veil over his face so that the people of Israel would not see the brightness fade and disappear.

as unknown, yet we are known by all; as though we were dead, but, as you see, we live on. Although punished, we are not killed;

It was not only his coming that cheered us, but also his report of how you encouraged him. He told us how much you want to see me, how sorry you are, how ready you are to defend me; and so I am even happier now.

See what God did with this sadness of yours: how earnest it has made you, how eager to prove your innocence! Such indignation, such alarm, such feelings, such devotion, such readiness to punish wrongdoing! You have shown yourselves to be without fault in the whole matter.

nor did I go to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me. Instead, I went at once to Arabia, and then I returned to Damascus.

I did not see any other apostle except James, the Lord's brother.

See what big letters I make as I write to you now with my own hand!

I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people,

and of making all people see how God's secret plan is to be put into effect. God, who is the Creator of all things, kept his secret hidden through all the past ages,

Now, the important thing is that your way of life should be as the gospel of Christ requires, so that, whether or not I am able to go and see you, I will hear that you are standing firm with one common purpose and that with only one desire you are fighting together for the faith of the gospel.

He is anxious to see you all and is very upset because you had heard that he was sick.

I am all the more eager, then, to send him to you, so that you will be glad again when you see him, and my own sorrow will disappear.