²⁸ For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures^(A) that Jesus was the Messiah.^(B)

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like^(A) treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.^(B)

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like^(C) a merchant looking for fine pearls. ⁴⁶ When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

The Parable of the Net

⁴⁷ “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like^(D) a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds^(E) of fish. ⁴⁸ When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.

The Coming of the Kingdom of God^(A)

²⁰ Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come,^(B) Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, ²¹ nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’^(C) because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”^[a]

¹⁷ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,^(A) but of righteousness, peace^(B) and joy in the Holy Spirit,^{(C) 18} because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.^(D)

¹⁶ So from now on we regard no one from a worldly^(A) point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,^(B) the new creation^(C) has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!^(D)

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy^(A) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm^(B) in the one Spirit,^[a] striving together^(C) as one for the faith of the gospel

²¹ but test them all;^(A) hold on to what is good,^(B)

¹⁵ So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm^(A) and hold fast to the teachings^[a] we passed on to you,^(B) whether by word of mouth or by letter.

¹³ What you heard from me,^(A) keep^(B) as the pattern^(C) of sound teaching,^(D) with faith and love in Christ Jesus.^(E)