Readings for Lent and Easter

The gospel in public

²⁷ The one thing I would stress is this: your public behavior must match up to the gospel of the Messiah. That way, whether I do come and see you or whether I remain elsewhere, the news that I get about you will indicate that you are standing firm with a single spirit, struggling side by side with one united intent for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸ and not letting your opponents intimidate you in any way. This is a sign from God: one that signifies their destruction, but your salvation.

²⁹ Yes: God has granted you that, on behalf of the Messiah, you should not only believe in him, but also suffer for his sake. ³⁰ You are engaged in the same struggle which you once watched me go through; and, as you now hear, I’m still going through it.