I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers;

The Gospel Is Preached

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,

and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

The Goal of Life

Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you.

Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

Brothers and sisters, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

Think of Excellence

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

saying, “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers, In the midst of the assembly I will sing Your praise.”

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials,

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters.

You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;

The Sin of Partiality

My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

Faith and Works

What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?

The Tongue Is a Fire

Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment.

from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.

Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you do not fall under judgment.

My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you strays from the truth and someone turns him back,