Study Desk

But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable way, and not only when I am present with you.

My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you—

but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone of voice, for I am at a loss about you!

But as for me, brothers and sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been eliminated.

This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

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

Now, so that you also may know about my circumstances as to what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you.

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.

the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;

But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.

But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;

But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.

Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am supplementing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions in behalf of His body, which is the church.

For even though I am absent in body, I am nevertheless with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your orderly manner and the stability of your faith in Christ.

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost.

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

I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long;

but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.