¹⁹ and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and tendons, grows with a growth that is from God.^(A)

¹⁵ but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,^{(A) 16} from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

⁴ Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.^{(A) 5} I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.^[a]

⁴ who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.^{(A) 5} For

—this was attested at the right time.^(C)

⁴ For as in one body we have many members and not all the members have the same function,^{(A) 5} so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.

Suffering for Doing Right

⁸ Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.^(A)

¹⁰ and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,

¹² And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you.^(A)

² I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ,^[a](A)