Israel’s Song

15 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord. They said:

⁴⁴ He told them, “These are my words^(A) that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets,^(B) and the Psalms^(C) must be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds^(D) to understand^(E) the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He also said to them, “This is what is written:^[a] The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day,^{(F) 47} and repentance for^[b] forgiveness of sins^(G) will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations,^(H) beginning at Jerusalem.^{(I) 48} You are witnesses^(J) of these things. ⁴⁹ And look, I am sending you^[c] what my Father promised.^(K) As for you, stay in the city^[d] until you are empowered^[e](L) from on high.”

²⁸ I came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”^(A)

²⁹ His disciples said, “Look, now you’re speaking plainly and not using any figurative language. ³⁰ Now we know that you know everything^(B) and don’t need anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.”^(C)

³¹ Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? ³² Indeed, an hour is coming, and has come,^(D) when each of you will be scattered to his own home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.^{(E) 33} I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

⁶ For if I want to boast, I wouldn’t be a fool, because I would be telling the truth.^(A) But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, ⁷ especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh^(B) was given to me, a messenger of Satan^(C) to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. ⁸ Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power^(D) is perfected in weakness.”^(E)

Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. ¹⁰ So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ.^(F) For when I am weak, then I am strong.^(G)

Christian Warfare

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.^{(A) 11} Put on^(B) the full armor^(C) of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh^(D) and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,^(E) against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil,^(F) spiritual forces in the heavens.^{(G) 13} For this reason take up the full armor^(H) of God, so that you may be able to resist^(I) in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand,^(J) therefore, with truth^(K) like a belt around your waist, righteousness^(L) like armor on your chest,^{(M) 15} and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield^(N) of faith^(O) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^{(P) 17} Take the helmet^(Q) of salvation and the sword^(R) of the Spirit^(S)—which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray^(T) at all times in the Spirit^(U) with every prayer and request, and stay alert^(V) with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your graciousness^[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is near.^{(A) 6} Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses^(B) all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.^(C)

⁸ Finally^[b] brothers and sisters, whatever is true,^(D) whatever is honorable,^(E) whatever is just,^(F) whatever is pure,^(G) whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence^(H) and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. ⁹ Do what you have learned and received^(I) and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation of Support

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again^(J) you renewed your care for me.^(K) You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. ¹² I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot.^(L) In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ¹³ I am able to do all things through him^[c] who strengthens me.^{(M) 14} Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.