Study Desk

my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!

I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.

See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

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

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.

I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,