¹⁶ it is that very Spirit bearing witness^[a] with our spirit that we are children of God,^(A)

¹³ By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.

²² who has put his seal on us and given^[a] us his Spirit in our hearts as a down payment.^(A)

⁵ The one who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a down payment.^(A)

¹⁹ And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him^{(A) 20} whenever our hearts condemn us, for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. ²¹ Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God, ²² and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.^(B)

¹³ In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit;^(A)

The Postponement of Paul’s Visit

¹² Indeed, this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience: we have behaved in the world with holiness^[a] and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God—and all the more toward you.^(A)

²³ and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.^(A)

¹⁰ Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God^[a] have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son.^(A)

³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption.^(A)