Study Desk

Now those things which were put down in writing before our time were for our learning, so that through quiet waiting and through the comfort of the holy Writings we might have hope.

And so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercy; as it is said, For this reason I will give praise to you among the Gentiles, and I will make a song to your name.

For which reason I was frequently kept from coming to you:

But now, having no longer any place in these parts and having had for a number of years a great desire to come to you,

Whenever I go to Spain (for it is my hope to see you on my way, and to be sent on there by you, if first I may in some measure have been comforted by your company)--

But now I go to Jerusalem, taking help for the saints.

For it has been the good pleasure of those of Macedonia and Achaia to send a certain amount of money for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.

Yes, it has been their good pleasure; and they are in their debt. For if the Gentiles have had a part in the things of the Spirit which were theirs, it is right for them, in the same way, to give them help in the things of the flesh.

Now I make request to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you will be working together with me in your prayers to God for me;

So that I may be kept safe from those in Judaea who have not put themselves under the rule of God, and that the help which I am taking for Jerusalem may be pleasing to the saints;

It is my desire to say a good word for Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae:

Who for my life put their necks in danger; to whom not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are in debt:

For such people are not servants of the Lord Christ, but of their stomachs; and by their smooth and well-said words the hearts of those who have no knowledge of evil are tricked.

For all have knowledge of how you do what you are ordered. For this reason I have joy in you, but it is my desire that you may be wise in what is good, and without knowledge of evil.

[] Brackets are used for marking additions made by later writers.

To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory for ever. So be it.

I give praise to my God for you at all times, because of the grace of God which has been given to you in Christ Jesus;

Is there a division in Christ? was Paul nailed to the cross for you? or were you given baptism in the name of Paul?

For Christ sent me, not to give baptism, but to be a preacher of the good news: not with wise words, for fear that the cross of Christ might be made of no value.

For the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us who are on the way to salvation it is the power of God.