Study Desk

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

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

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer.

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

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

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

But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you—

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

Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.

I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.

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

I am saying this so that no one may deceive you with plausible arguments.

For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison,

I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service,

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost.

I am giving you these instructions, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies made earlier about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight,

For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.