⁵ because our gospel^(A) came to you not simply with words but also with power,^(B) with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know^(C) how we lived among you for your sake.

¹³ And we also thank God continually^(A) because, when you received the word of God,^(B) which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

²⁰ Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs^(A) that accompanied it.

⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.^(A) We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked^(B) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,^(C) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.^(D)

¹² It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you,^(A) when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you^(B) by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.^(C) Even angels long to look into these things.

¹⁸ God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,^(A) we who have fled to take hold of the hope^(B) set before us may be greatly encouraged. ¹⁹ We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,^(C)

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

² I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit^(A) by the works of the law,^(B) or by believing what you heard?^{(C) 3} Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?^{[a] 4} Have you experienced^[b] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? ⁵ So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles^(D) among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?^(E)

² For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.^{(A) 3} I came to you^(B) in weakness^(C) with great fear and trembling.^{(D) 4} My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words,^(E) but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,^{(F) 5} so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.^(G)