³³ Therefore I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. So now all of us are here in the presence of God to listen to all that the Lord has commanded you to say.”

Hearing and Doing the Word

¹⁹ You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,^(A)

¹⁴ though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.

¹¹ These Jews were more receptive than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the message very eagerly and examined the scriptures every day to see whether these things were so.^{(A) 12} Many of them therefore believed, including not a few Greek women and men of high standing.

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

2 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander.^{(A) 2} Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation^(B)—

²¹ Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.^(A)

¹⁸ Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise.^(A)

²⁸ “Let it be known to you, then, that this salvation of God has been sent to the gentiles; they will listen.”^[a]

¹⁵ Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”^(A)

⁴ Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.