⁸ God can testify^(A) how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,^(A) my joy and crown, stand firm^(B) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

⁹ God, whom I serve^(A) in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness^(B) how constantly I remember you

⁴ Recalling your tears,^(A) I long to see you,^(B) so that I may be filled with joy.

⁸ so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God^(A) but our lives as well.^(B)

¹² I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.

Paul’s Anguish Over Israel

9 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying,^(A) my conscience confirms^(B) it through the Holy Spirit—

2 I want you to know how hard I am contending^(A) for you and for those at Laodicea,^(B) and for all who have not met me personally.

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

²⁰ I assure you before God^(A) that what I am writing you is no lie.^(B)