⁹ For they themselves declare concerning us ^(A)what manner of entry we had to you, ^(B)and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

¹⁰ For to this end ^[a]we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, ^(A)who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

² You know ^(A)that^[a] you were Gentiles, carried away to these ^(B)dumb^[b] idols, however you were led.

Fears for the Church

⁸ But then, indeed, ^(A)when you did not know God, ^(B)you served those which by nature are not gods. ⁹ But now ^(C)after you have known God, or rather are known by God, ^(D)how is it that you turn again to ^(E)the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?

Their Conversion

¹³ For this reason we also thank God ^(A)without ceasing, because when you ^(B)received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it ^(C)not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively ^(D)works in you who believe.

¹⁵ and saying, “Men, ^(A)why are you doing these things? ^(B)We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from ^(C)these useless things ^(D)to the living God, ^(E)who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them,

²⁰ “Thus says the Lord of hosts:

²³ “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days ten men ^(C)from every language of the nations shall ^(D)grasp the ^[a]sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard ^(E)that God is with you.” ’ ”

Paul’s Conduct^(A)

2 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.

¹⁶ And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For ^(A)you^[a] are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

¹⁷ Therefore