Study Desk

I am the least important of all God's people. But God was kind and chose me to tell the Gentiles that because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured.

I was sent to do this work, and that's the reason I am in jail. So pray that I will be brave and will speak as I should.

I want you to know how I am getting along and what I am doing. That's why I am sending Tychicus to you. He is a dear friend, as well as a faithful servant of the Lord. He will tell you how I am doing, and he will cheer you up.

God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

The Roman guards and all the others know that I am here in jail because I serve Christ.

They love Christ and know that I am here to defend the good news about him.

But the ones who are jealous of us are not sincere. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am in jail.

I honestly expect and hope that I will never do anything to be ashamed of. Whether I live or die, I always want to be as brave as I am now and bring honor to Christ.

But I know that all of you still need me. That's why I am sure I will stay on to help you grow and be happy in your faith.

My dear friends, you always obeyed when I was with you. Now that I am away, you should obey even more. So work with fear and trembling to discover what it really means to be saved.

I think I ought to send my dear friend Epaphroditus back to you. He is a follower and a worker and a soldier of the Lord, just as I am. You sent him to look after me,

Now I am more eager than ever to send Epaphroditus back again. You will be glad to see him, and I won't have to worry any longer.

I was circumcised when I was eight days old, and I am from the nation of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. I am a true Hebrew. As a Pharisee, I strictly obeyed the Law of Moses.

I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize.

I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have.

I am not trying to get something from you, but I want you to receive the blessings that come from giving.

I have been paid back everything, and with interest. I am completely satisfied with the gifts that you had Epaphroditus bring me. They are like a sweet-smelling offering or like the right kind of sacrifice that pleases God.

I am glad that I can suffer for you. I am pleased also that in my own body I can continue the suffering of Christ for his body, the church.

I want you to know what a struggle I am going through for you, for God's people at Laodicea, and for all of those followers who have never met me.

Even though I am not with you, I keep thinking about you. I am glad to know that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.