Study Desk

I am in a hard position between the two, having a desire to go away and be with Christ, which is very much better:

And being certain of this, I am conscious that I will go on, yes, and go on with you all, for your growth and joy in the faith;

Only let your behaviour do credit to the good news of Christ, so that if I come and see you or if I am away from you, I may have news of you that you are strong in one spirit, working together with one soul for the faith of the good news;

So then, my loved ones, as you have at all times done what I say, not only when I am present, but now much more when I am not with you, give yourselves to working out your salvation with fear in your hearts;

And even if I am offered like a drink offering, giving myself for the cause and work of your faith, I am glad and have joy with you all:

But I am hoping in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you before long, so that I may be comforted when I have news of you.

Him then I am hoping to send as quickly as possible, when I am able to see how things will go for me:

Yes truly, and I am ready to give up all things for the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, which is more than all: for whom I have undergone the loss of all things, and to me they are less than nothing, so that I may have Christ as my reward,

But I am very glad in the Lord that your care for me has come to life again; though you did in fact take thought for me, but you were not able to give effect to it.

But I will not say anything about my needs, for I am able, wherever I am, to be dependent on myself.

It is the same to me if I am looked down on or honoured; everywhere and in all things I have the secret of how to be full and how to go without food; how to have wealth and how to be in need.

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

Not that I am looking for an offering, but for fruit which may be put to your credit.

I have all things and more than enough: I am made full, having had from Epaphroditus the things which came from you, a perfume of a sweet smell, an offering well pleasing to God.

And for this purpose I am working, using all my strength by the help of his power which is working in me strongly.

For it is my desire to give you news of the great fight I am making for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh;

For though I am not present in the flesh, still I am with you in the spirit, seeing with joy your order, and your unchanging faith in Christ.

And making prayer for us, that God may give us an open door for the preaching of the word, the secret of Christ, for which I am now in chains;

I, Paul, give you this word of love in my handwriting. Keep in memory that I am a prisoner. Grace be with you.

It is a true saying, in which all may put their faith, that Christ Jesus came into the world to give salvation to sinners, of whom I am the chief: