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because, not only has God opened a significant door here for me to serve, but also there is a lot of opposition against me.

Churches are often characterized by words such as “independent” and “autonomous.” But one would be hard-pressed to find any of these ideas in the Scriptures. Instead, Paul seems to be modeling submission and interdependence. We must always consider others and shape our actions to bless them. But he does not stop there—it is clear that we are responsible to care for one another in physical and monetary ways. What might Paul say to the church today, given the drastic disparity between the wealthy churches of the West and the brothers and sisters in the rest of the world who lack food, water, or shelter?

10 If Timothy comes, see that he is comfortable and untroubled; his work is the Lord’s, as is mine. 11 No one should treat him badly. Send him on to meet me in peace because the brothers and sisters here and I are looking for him.

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because a great door for effective work has opened to me,(A) and there are many who oppose me.

10 When Timothy(B) comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord,(C) just as I am. 11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt.(D) Send him on his way(E) in peace(F) so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.

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