¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.^(A)

²² Jews demand signs^(A) and Greeks look for wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified:^(B) a stumbling block^(C) to Jews and foolishness^(D) to Gentiles,

⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love^(A) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,^{(B) 10} so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,^(C)

Further Instructions

² Devote yourselves to prayer,^(A) being watchful and thankful. ³ And pray for us, too, that God may open a door^(B) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery^(C) of Christ, for which I am in chains.^{(D) 4} Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

² Preach^(A) the word;^(B) be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke^(C) and encourage^(D)—with great patience and careful instruction.