¹⁹ My dear children,^(A) for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,^(B)

¹³ until we all reach unity^(A) in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God^(B) and become mature,^(C) attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.^(D)

²⁹ For those God foreknew^(A) he also predestined^(B) to be conformed to the image of his Son,^(C) that he might be the firstborn^(D) among many brothers and sisters.

¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,^(A) and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.^[a](B)

²⁴ and to put on^(A) the new self,^(B) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.^(C)

¹² Epaphras,^(A) who is one of you^(B) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,^(C) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature^(D) and fully assured.

¹⁰ and have put on the new self,^(A) which is being renewed^(B) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^(C)

Paul’s Appeal and Warning

¹⁴ I am writing this not to shame you^(A) but to warn you as my dear children.^{(B) 15} Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father^(C) through the gospel.^(D)

¹¹ He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble^(A) on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?^{(B) 12} Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant,^(C) to the land you promised on oath^(D) to their ancestors?^(E)