²⁹ Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that not only you but also all who are listening to me today might become such as I am—except for these chains.”^(A)

²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.^(A)

³³ Then the tribune came, arrested him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; he inquired who he was and what he had done.^(A)

²⁸ It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.^[a](A)

Paul and the False Apostles

11 I wish you would put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, do put up^[a] with me!^(A)

⁷ I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has a particular gift from God, one having one kind and another a different kind.^(A)

⁸ Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Quite apart from us you have become kings! If only you had become kings, so that we might be kings with you!

10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

God’s Election of Israel

9 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit^(A)— ² I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own brothers and sisters, my own flesh and blood.^(B)

¹⁴ Since they were staying there several days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man here who was left in prison by Felix.^(A)