Book of Common Prayer

And We Thank God You Accepted Our Message As God’s Word, Even Amidst Persecution

¹³ And for this^[a] reason we are indeed^[b] giving-thanks to God unceasingly: because having received the word of God heard from us^[c], you accepted not the word of humans, but, as it truly is, the word of God, which also is at-work^[d] in you, the ones believing. ¹⁴ For you became imitators, brothers, of the churches of God existing in Judea in Christ Jesus, because you also suffered the same things by your own countrymen as they also by the Jews— ¹⁵ the ones also^[e] having killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and having driven us out, and not being pleasing to God, and being contrary^[f] to all people, ¹⁶ forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles in order that they might be saved, so that they fill-up^[g] the measure of their sins always. But the wrath^[h] came^[i] upon them to the uttermost^[j].

We Sent Timothy To Establish You Amidst Your Afflictions, And That I Might Know Your Faith

¹⁷ And we, brothers, having been orphaned from you for a season of an hour in face, not in heart, were more eager^[k] with great desire to see your face. ¹⁸ Because we wanted^[l] to come to you— I, Paul, both once and twice^[m]— and Satan hindered us. ¹⁹ For what^[n] is our hope or joy or crown of boasting— or is it not indeed you!— before our Lord Jesus at His coming? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy.

¹⁹ And the scribes and the chief priests sought to put their hands on Him at the very hour. And^[a] they feared the people. For they^[b] knew that He spoke this parable against them.

The Priests Try To Snare Jesus: Shall We Pay Taxes To Caesar?

²⁰ And having closely-watched Him, they sent forth spies pretending themselves to be righteous, in order that they might take-hold-of a statement of His, so as to hand Him over to the rule and the authority of the governor. ²¹ And they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly. And You do not receive^[c] the face, but You teach the way of God in accordance with truth. ²² Is it lawful that we should give a tribute^[d] to Caesar, or not?” ²³ But having perceived their craftiness, He said to them, ²⁴ “Show Me a denarius^[e]. Of whom does it have an image^[f] and inscription?” And the ones said, “Of Caesar”. ²⁵ And the One said to them, “Well-then^[g] give-back^[h] the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God”. ²⁶ And they were not able to take-hold-of a word of His in the presence of the people. And having marveled at His answer, they became silent.