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.

²⁷ But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. ²⁸ Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who wrongfully trouble you. ²⁹ And to him that strikes you on the one cheek, offer also the other. And him that takes away your gown, forbid not to take your coat also. ³⁰ Give to every man that asks of you. And of him who takes away your goods, ask not for them back. ³¹ And as you would have others do unto you, so do unto them likewise.

³² If you love those who love you, what credit are you worthy of? For the very sinners love their friends. ³³ And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit are you worthy of? For the very sinners do even the same. ³⁴ If you lend to people from whom you hope to receive, what credit should you have? For the very sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much in return. ³⁵ Therefore love your enemies, do good, and lend, looking for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be the children of the Highest. For he is kind to the unkind and to the evil.

³⁶ Be therefore merciful, as your Father is merciful. ³⁷ Judge not, and you will not be judged. Condemn not, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸ Give, and it will be given to you: a good measure pressed down, shaken together, and running over will men give into your bosoms. For the measure that you use will be measured back to you.