Whoever serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by men.

Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.

There must, indeed, be factions among you, so that those who are approved may be recognized among you.

For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends.

Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but rather God, who examines our hearts.

An Approved Worker

Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith.

By faith Enoch was taken away so he did not experience death, and he was not to be found because God took him away. For prior to his removal he was approved, since he had pleased God.

All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised,