¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.^{(A) 12} Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed^(B) in his name,^(C) he gave the right to become children of God^(D)— ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.^(E)

⁸ For it is by grace^(A) you have been saved,^(B) through faith^(C)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works,^(D) so that no one can boast.^(E)

²⁹ So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,^(A)

¹⁴ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,^(A) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^(B)

Thanksgiving

³ I thank God,^(A) whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience,^(B) as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.^(C)