Book of Common Prayer

¹⁶ In that I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is put upon me; woe it is to me, if I do not preach the gospel! ¹⁷ If I do it with a good will, I have a reward. But if I do it against my will, an office is committed to me. ¹⁸ What is my reward then? Truly, that when I preach the gospel, I make the gospel of Christ free: that I do not misuse my authority in the gospel.

¹⁹ For though no man is my master, yet I have made myself a servant to all, so that I might win the more. ²⁰ To the Jews I became as a Jew, to win the Jews. To those who were under the law, I was as though under the law, to win those who were under the law. ²¹ To those who were without law, I became as though I were without law (when I was not without law as pertaining to God, but under a law as concerning Christ), to win those who were without law. ²² To the weak I became as weak, to win the weak. In all things I fashioned myself to all men, to save at least some. ²³ And this I do for the gospel’s sake, so that I may have my part in it.

²⁴ Do you not perceive that of those who run in a race, all run, yet but one receives the reward? So run that you may prevail. ²⁵ Athletes who compete discipline themselves in all things. And they do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we to obtain an incorruptible crown. ²⁶ I therefore run accordingly: not as at an uncertain thing. I fight accordingly: not as one who beats the air, ²⁷ but I tame my body, and bring it into subjection, lest after I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

⁴⁷ And when evening was come, the boat was in the middle of the sea and he was alone on the land. ⁴⁸ And he saw them having trouble rowing, for the wind was contrary to them. And about the fourth quarter of the night he went out to them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. ⁴⁹ When they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it was a spirit and cried out. ⁵⁰ For they all saw him and were afraid. And immediately he spoke to them and said to them, Be of good cheer, it is I. Be not afraid. ⁵¹ And he went up to them into the boat, and the wind ceased; and they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and taken aback. ⁵² For they did not remember about the loaves, because their hearts were blinded.

⁵³ And they crossed over and went into the land of Gennesaret, and drew up to anchorage. ⁵⁴ And as soon as they got out of the boat, people quickly recognized Jesus, ⁵⁵ and ran everywhere throughout all the region round about, and began to carry all who were sick in beds to the place where they heard he was. ⁵⁶ And wherever he entered into towns, cities, or villages, they laid their sick in the streets and begged to touch even just the edge of his vesture. And as many as touched him were made well.