²⁷ So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’

Avoid Divisive Persons

¹⁷ Now I urge you, brethren, note those ^(A)who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and ^(B)avoid them.

¹⁸ Now all things are of God, ^(A)who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, ¹⁹ that is, that ^(B)God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not ^[a]imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

²⁰ Now then, we are ^(C)ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

⁴ But in all things we commend ourselves ^(A)as ministers of God: in much ^[a]patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,

Marks of the Ministry

6 We then, as ^(A)workers together with Him also ^(B)plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

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

²⁸ And ^(A)God has appointed these in the church: first ^(B)apostles, second ^(C)prophets, third teachers, after that ^(D)miracles, then ^(E)gifts of healings, ^(F)helps, ^(G)administrations, varieties of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

^4 [a]Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that ^(A)friendship with the world is enmity with God? ^(B)Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

^15 (A)This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ¹⁶ For ^(B)where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.