Study Desk

They are Hebrews: so am I. They are Israelites: so am I. They are the seed of Abraham: so am I.

They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise): I am more; in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in stripes above measure, in deaths often.

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire?

For which cause I please myself in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ. For when I am weak, then am I powerful.

I am become foolish. You have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended by you. For I have no way come short of them that are above measure apostles, although I be nothing.

Behold now the third time I am ready to come to you and I will not be burthensome unto you. For I seek not the things that are yours, but you. For neither ought the children to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Behold, this is the third time I am coming to you: In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word stand.

For I, through the law, am dead to the law, that I may live to God; with Christ I am nailed to the cross.

I am afraid of you, lest perhaps I have laboured in vain among you.

Be ye as I, because I also am as you brethren, I beseech you. You have not injured me at all.

Am I then become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

But be zealous for that which is good in a good thing always: and not only when I am present with you.

My little children, of whom I am in labour again, until Christ be formed in you.

And I would willingly be present with you now and change my voice: because I am ashamed for you.

Of which I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which is given to me according to the operation of his power.

For which I am an ambassador in a chain: so that therein I may be bold to speak according as I ought.

But that you also may know the things that concern me and what I am doing, Tychicus, my dearest brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make known to you all things:

Some out of charity, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

But I am straitened between two: having a desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ, a thing by far the better.

Not as though I had already attained, or were already perfect: but I follow after, if I may by any means apprehend, wherein I am also apprehended by Christ Jesus.