Study Desk

I am astonished that you are turning away so quickly from the one who called you by the grace of Christ to a different gospel,

For am I now making an appeal to people or to God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.

(Now the things which I am writing to you, behold, I assure you before God that I am not lying.)

Brothers, I am speaking according to a human perspective. Nevertheless, when the covenant of a man has been ratified, no one declares it invalid or adds additional provisions to it.

Now I am saying this: the law, that came after four hundred and thirty years, does not revoke a covenant previously ratified by God, in order to nullify the promise.

I am afraid for you, lest perhaps I have labored for you in vain!

But it is good to be sought zealously in good at all times, and not only when I am present with you.

My children, for whom I am having birth pains again, until Christ is formed in you!

But I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone because I am perplexed about you.

Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.

envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, things which I am telling you in advance, just as I said before, that the ones who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.

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

for the sake of which I am an ambassador in chains, that in them I may speak freely, as it is necessary for me to speak.

Now, so that you also may know my circumstances, what I am doing, Tychicus, my dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things,

The latter do so from love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

But I am hard pressed between the two options, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for this is very much better.

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

Only lead your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent I hear your circumstances, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one soul contending side by side for the faith of the gospel,

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