Study Desk

I rejoice in my present sufferings on your behalf! Yes, I am completing in my own flesh what has been lacking of the Messiah's afflictions, on behalf of his Body, the Messianic Community.

For although I am away from you physically, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing as I see the disciplined and resolute firmness of your trust in the Messiah.

Include prayer for us, too, that God may open a door for us to proclaim the message about the secret of the Messiah — for that is why I am in prison.

This is why I myself was appointed a proclaimer, even an emissary — I am telling the truth, not lying! — a trustworthy and truthful teacher of the Goyim.

I hope to visit you soon; but I am writing these things

so that if I am delayed, you may know how one should behave in the household of God, which is the Messianic Community of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

I am reminded of your tears, and I long to see you, so that I might be filled with joy.

I recall your sincere trust, the same trust that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice had first; and I am convinced that you too now have this trust.

For this reason, I am reminding you to fan the flame of God's gift, which you received through s'mikhah from me.

and this is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know him in whom I have put my trust, and I am persuaded that he can keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me.

Think about what I am saying, for the Lord will enable you to understand everything.

and for which I am suffering to the point of being bound in chains — but the Word of God is not bound in chains!

For as for me, I am already being poured out on the altar; yes, the time for my departure has arrived.

for I am hearing about your love and commitment to the Lord Yeshua and to all God's people.

But since I Sha'ul, am the kind of person I am, an old man and now for the Messiah Yeshua's sake a prisoner besides, I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love.

so that in returning him to you I am sending a part of my very heart.

I would dearly have loved to keep him with me, in order for him to serve me in your place while I am in prison because of the Good News.

Trusting that you will respond positively, I write knowing that you will indeed do more than I am asking.

Also, "I will put my trust in him, . . ." and then it goes on, "Here I am, along with the children God has given me."

and so terrifying was the sight that Moshe said, "I am quaking with dread."