¹² Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?”

³² Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles^[a] or the church of God. ³³ I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

¹³ Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get Micaiah said to him, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success.”

¹⁴ But Micaiah replied, “As surely as the Lord lives, I will say only what the Lord tells me to say.”

¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

⁵ But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the gospel message for you.

Paul’s Hardships

³ We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.

²⁷ However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin.^[a] Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”