²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good^(A) of those who love him, who^[a] have been called^(B) according to his purpose.^{(C) 29} For those God foreknew^(D) he also predestined^(E) to be conformed to the image of his Son,^(F) that he might be the firstborn^(G) among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined,^(H) he also called;^(I) those he called, he also justified;^(J) those he justified, he also glorified.^(K)

²³ What if he did this to make the riches of his glory^(A) known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory^(B)— ²⁴ even us, whom he also called,^(C) not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?^(D)

⁹ God is faithful,^(A) who has called you^(B) into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.^(C)

¹⁵ But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb^(A) and called me^(B) by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles,^(C) my immediate response was not to consult any human being.^{(D) 17} I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.^(E)

Paul’s Labor for the Church

²⁴ Now I rejoice^(A) in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,^(B) for the sake of his body, which is the church.^(C)

¹¹ For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,^{(A) 12} encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy^(B) of God, who calls^(C) you into his kingdom and glory.

¹⁴ He called you^(A) to this through our gospel,^(B) that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁸ So do not be ashamed^(A) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.^(B) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,^(C) by the power of God. ⁹ He has saved^(D) us and called^(E) us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done^(F) but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,