Book of Common Prayer

²⁴ Now I joy in the sufferings that I suffer for you, and fill up that which I lack of the passions of Christ in my flesh, for the sake of his body, which is the congregation. ²⁵ I am made a minister thereof according to the ordinance of God, which ordinance was given to me for you, in order to fulfil the word of God, ²⁶ that mystery hid since the world began and since the beginning of generations, but which is now opened to his saints, ²⁷ to whom God desired to make known the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles. These riches are Christ in you, the Hope of Glory ²⁸ whom we preach, warning all people and instructing all people in all wisdom, to make all men perfect in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ For this I also labour and strive, even as far forth as his working works in me mightily.

What great care Paul took for all congregations. He exhorts them to be steadfast in Christ, and to beware of false teachers and worldly wisdom. He describes the false prophets.

2 I would you knew what fighting I have for your sakes and for the people of Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen me in the flesh, ² that their hearts may be encouraged, and knit together in love and in all the riches of a full understanding, to know the mystery of God the Father and of Christ, ³ in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

⁴ And I say, for fear that someone should beguile you with enticing words ⁵ (for though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am present with you in the spirit, joying and beholding the order that you keep and your steadfast faith in Christ) – ⁶ as you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, even so walk, ⁷ rooted and built in him, and steadfast in the faith, as you have learned. And abound therein in giving thanks.

¹² Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. ¹³ The Pharisees said to him, You bear witness of yourself; your witness is not true.

¹⁴ Jesus answered and said to them, Though I bear witness of myself, yet my witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. ¹⁵ You judge after the flesh. I judge no one; ¹⁶ and yet if I do judge, my judgment is true. For I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. ¹⁷ It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. ¹⁸ I am one who bears witness of myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness of me.

¹⁹ Then they said to him, Where is your father?

Jesus answered, You know neither me, nor yet my Father. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.