Christian Graces

^2 (A)Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it ^(B)with thanksgiving; ^3 (C)meanwhile praying also for us, that God would ^(D)open to us a door for the word, to speak ^(E)the ^[a]mystery of Christ, ^(F)for which I am also in chains, ⁴ that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

^5 (G)Walk in ^(H)wisdom toward those who are outside, ^(I)redeeming the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be ^(J)with grace, ^(K)seasoned with salt, ^(L)that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

18 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men ^(A)always ought to pray and not lose heart, ² saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor ^[a]regard man. ³ Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ^[b]‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ ⁴ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, ^5 (B)yet because this widow troubles me I will ^[c]avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”

⁶ Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. ⁷ And ^(C)shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? ⁸ I tell you ^(D)that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

⁸ But I will tarry in Ephesus until ^(A)Pentecost. ⁹ For ^(B)a great and effective door has opened to me, and ^(C)there are many adversaries.

¹⁰ And ^(D)if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for ^(E)he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

³³ But ^(A)seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

³³ But ^(A)seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

The Ephesian Elders Exhorted

¹⁷ From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. ¹⁸ And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, ^(A)from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, ¹⁹ serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me ^(B)by the plotting of the Jews; ²⁰ how ^(C)I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, ^21 (D)testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, ^(E)repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Walk in Wisdom

^15 (A)See then that you walk ^[a]circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ^16 (B)redeeming the time, ^(C)because the days are evil.

^17 (D)Therefore do not be unwise, but ^(E)understand ^(F)what the will of the Lord is.

Suffering for Right and Wrong

^13 (A)And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? ^14 (B)But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ^(C)“And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” ¹⁵ But ^[a]sanctify ^[b]the Lord God in your hearts, and always ^(D)be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the ^(E)hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ^16 (F)having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.