Study Desk

Are they ministers of Christ?--I speak as a fool--I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I have become a fool in boasting; [fn] you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing.

Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

This will be the third time I am coming to you. "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established." Deuteronomy 19:15">[fn]

I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.

But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.

To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;

but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

For [fn] I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.