Book of Common Prayer

¹⁷ Brethren, be followers of me, and observe those who walk in the same way, since you have us for an example. ¹⁸ For many walk (of whom I have told you often, and now tell you weeping) as enemies of the cross of Christ, ¹⁹ whose end is damnation, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is to their shame – who are worldly-minded. ²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven, from whence we look for a saviour, even the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will change our lowly bodies so that they may be fashioned like his glorious body, by the power with which he is able to subdue all things to himself.

He greets certain of them, exhorts them to live and bear themselves honourably, and thanks them for the provision that they made for him in prison.

4 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, continue in such a way in the Lord, beloveds. ² I pray Euodias and beseech Syntyche to be of one accord in the Lord. ³ Yea and I beseech you, faithful yokefellow, help the women who laboured with me in the gospel, and with Clement also, and with my other labour-fellows whose names are in the book of life.

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men.

The Lord is at hand. ⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in all things let your requests be made known to God, in prayer and supplication with giving of thanks. ⁷ And may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan, to John, to be baptized by him. ¹⁴ But John stopped him, saying, I ought to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? ¹⁵ Jesus answered and said to him, Let it be so now, for thus it behoves us, to fulfil all righteousness.

Then John let him. ¹⁶ And Jesus, as soon as he was baptized, came straight out of the water. And lo, heaven was open over him, and John saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and light upon him. ¹⁷ And lo, there came a voice from heaven, saying, This is he: my beloved Son, in whom is my delight.