Study Desk

Now brothers and sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.

envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts.

I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ.

These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;

I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—

Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel,

But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.

For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious.

Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church.

For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person.

I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable.