⁴ On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.^(A) We are not trying to please people^(B) but God, who tests our hearts.^(C)

¹⁰ Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?^(A) If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

⁷ On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task^(A) of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised,^[a](B) just as Peter^(C) had been to the circumcised.^[b]

²⁷ And he who searches our hearts^(A) knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes^(B) for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

³ and which now at his appointed season^(A) he has brought to light^(B) through the preaching entrusted to me^(C) by the command of God^(D) our Savior,^(E)

¹⁴ Guard^(A) the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.^(B)

¹¹ that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.^(A)

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,^(B) that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.^{(C) 13} Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor^(D) and a violent man, I was shown mercy^(E) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.^(F)

⁶ Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,^(A) doing the will of God from your heart.