Study Desk

For they know that I am appointed for the defence of the gospel:

For I am drawn between two desires, the one to depart, that I may be with Christ, which is far better:

Only conduct yourselves as becomes the gospel of Christ: so that whether I come and see you, or whether I am far away, I may hear of your good conduct, that you are standing firm in one spirit, and in one soul, and triumphing together through the faith of the gospel;

And that you may endure such trials as those which you have seen me in, and such as you now hear that I am in.

Yes, even if my blood be offered upon the sacrifice and the service of your faith, I am happy and rejoice with you all.

For I have no one here as interested as I am, who will sincerely care for your welfare;

But right now I am forced through circumstances to send to you Epaphroditus, a brother, and assistant and co-worker with me, but he is also your apostle and one who ministers to my wants.

Not as though I had already attained or were already perfect; but I am striving, that I may reach that for which Jesus Christ appointed me.

Nor am I saying this simply because I am in want; for I have learned to make what I have meet my needs.

I have received everything I need, and it is more than enough: I am satisfied, having received everything you sent me by Epaphroditus, and it was welcome as a fragrant perfume and a sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing to God.

For though I am far away from you in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your orderliness and the sincerity of your faith in Christ.

And pray for us also, that God may open unto us a door for preaching, to speak the mystery of Christ for whose sake I am a prisoner:

This is a trustworthy saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

So that if I am delayed, you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

I am anxious to see you; I still remember your tears; I am filled with joy,

Especially when I am reminded of your true faith, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice; and I am sure now in you also.

To which I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

For this cause I suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure he will take care of me until that day.

From henceforth I am ready to die, and the time of my departure is at hand.

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither does he tempt any man: