Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

¹⁷ Obey your rulers and recognise their authority. They are like men standing guard over your spiritual good, and they have great responsibility. Try to make their work a pleasure and not a burden—by so doing you will help not only them but yourselves.

^18-19 Pray for us. Our conscience is clear before God, and our great desire is to lead a life that is completely honest. Please pray earnestly that I may be restored to you the sooner.

^20-21 Now the God of peace, who brought back from the dead that great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the everlasting agreement, equip you thoroughly for the doing of his will! May he effect in you everything that pleases him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

²² All I have said, my brothers, I ask you to accept as though it were an appeal in person, although I have compressed it into a short letter.

²³ You will be glad to know that brother Timothy. If he comes here soon, he and I will perhaps visit you together.

^24-25 Greetings to all your leaders and all your church members. The Christians of Italy send their greetings. Grace be with you all.