The Truths of Our Faith

¹⁴ I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon,

²² One more thing—please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon.

³⁴ If you are really hungry, eat at home so you won’t bring judgment upon yourselves when you meet together. I’ll give you instructions about the other matters after I arrive.

¹⁴ For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face.

Conclusion

¹² I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.

²³ I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released from jail. If he comes here soon, I will bring him with me to see you.

¹³ Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

¹⁸ We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us.

¹⁵ Since I was so sure of your understanding and trust, I wanted to give you a double blessing by visiting you twice— ¹⁶ first on my way to Macedonia and again when I returned from Macedonia.^[a] Then you could send me on my way to Judea.

¹⁷ You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”?

Paul’s Final Instructions

⁵ I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia,^[a] for I am planning to travel through Macedonia. ⁶ Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination. ⁷ This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me.