³⁴ There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman ^(A)cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.

⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

⁴¹ And ^[a]Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. ⁴² But ^(A)one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

²⁰ according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but ^(A)with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life ^(B)or by death.

²⁸ besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: ^(A)my deep concern for all the churches.

²⁰ For ^(A)you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body ^[a]and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Living Sacrifices to God

12 I ^(A)beseech^[a] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies ^(B)a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your ^[b]reasonable service. ² And ^(C)do not be conformed to this world, but ^(D)be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may ^(E)prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Anna Bears Witness to the Redeemer

³⁶ Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of ^(A)Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; ³⁷ and this woman was a widow ^[a]of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers ^(B)night and day.

^8 (A)This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

⁵ (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);

Blessing and Admonition

²³ Now may ^(A)the God of peace Himself ^(B)sanctify^[a] you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body ^(C)be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.