¹² Since we have such a hope, ^(A)we are very bold,

⁴ I am acting with ^(A)great boldness toward you; ^(B)I have great pride in you; ^(C)I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.

²⁰ as it is my eager expectation and hope ^(A)that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full ^(B)courage now as always Christ ^(C)will be honored in my body, ^(D)whether by life or by death.

¹⁹ and ^(A)also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth ^(B)boldly to proclaim ^(C)the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I ^(D)am an ambassador ^(E)in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

^13 (A)Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

²⁹ His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not ^(A)using figurative speech!

¹³ For ^(A)those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

² But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated ^(A)at Philippi, as you know, ^(B)we had boldness in our God ^(C)to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much ^(D)conflict.

⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Paul Defends His Ministry

10 ^(A)I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the ^(B)meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—