77 Bible Verses about Paul, Apostle To Gentiles

but when it pleased God, who ordained me from my birth, and called me by his especial favour, to reveal his son to me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not thereupon apply my self to any man;

As he was on his journey, and near Damascus, on a sudden, a light from heaven surrounded him, and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice which said to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? and he said, who art thou, Lord? and the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is hard for thee to kick against the goad. Then trembling with the fright Saul said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? and the Lord said to him,]read more.
but rise, and go into the city, and you shall be told what you must do. the mean while the men who accompany'd him, remain'd astonish'd, hearing a voice, but seeing no one. at length Saul rose from the ground; and when he opened his eyes, he could not see: so that they led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus, where he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink. Now there was a disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, to whom the Lord said in a vision, Ananias! and he said, Lord, here I am. and the Lord said unto him, arise, and go to the street called Straight, and enquire at the house of Judas, for one Saul of Tarsus: for he is there at prayer. (at that very instant Saul saw in a vision the said Ananias come in, and put his hand on him, to restore his sight.) then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many that this man has done a world of mischief to thy saints at Jerusalem: he is now here, and is impower'd by the chief priests, to imprison all that make profession of thy name. go, said the Lord to him: for he is the instrument I have chosen, to bear my name to the Gentiles, to kings, and to the children of Israel. for I will make him see how much he must suffer for my name. Ananias therefore departed, and being arrived at the house, he put his hands on Saul, and said, brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus that appeared to you on your journey hither, hath sent me, that you might obtain your sight, and be filled with the holy spirit. immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he recover'd his sight; upon which he instantly arose, and was baptized. and when he had taken some food, he was refresh'd. after which Saul staid some time with the disciples at Damascus.

as I was upon the road, advanc'd near Damascus, about mid-day, all of a sudden a great light from heaven broke all around me. I fell to the ground, and heard a voice pronounce these words, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" I answered, who art thou, Lord? it answered, "I am Jesus the Nazarene whom thou dost persecute."read more.
the company actually saw the light, but did not hear the voice of him that spoke to me. then I said, Lord, what must I do? and the Lord answer'd, arise, go to Damascus; there you will be inform'd what you are to do. but as I had lost the use of my eyes by the splendor of that light, I was led by the hand to Damascus, by those who were with me. there one Ananias a religious observer of the law, who had the good word of all the Jews in that place, came to see me, and being introduc'd, he said, brother Saul, receive thy sight. and instantly I saw him. then he said, the God of our fathers has singled you out to be acquainted with his will, to see the just one, and to hear the words of his mouth: that you might testify to all men, what you have seen and heard. why should you now delay? arise, be baptized, and cleansed from your sins, by invoking the name of the Lord.

with such views, authorized by commission from the high priests, I was on the road to Damascus: when at mid-day, O king, a light from heaven exceeding the splendor of the sun, broke all around me, and those that accompanied me. we were all struck down: when I heard a voice directed to me pronounce these words in the Hebrew tongue, "Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? it is dangerous for thee to kick against the goad."read more.
I answer'd, who art thou, Lord? he said, "I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest. but rise upright upon thy feet: for I have appear'd to thee in order to establish you my minister in testifying both what you have seen, and what I shall hereafter show to you, by delivering you from this people, and from the Gentiles to whom I now send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and partake of the inheritance of the saints, by believing on me."

Am I not free? am I not an apostle? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you become christians by my labour?

Peter, and John, who were esteemed to be pillars, perceived the favour that was bestowed on me, they admitted me and Barnabas into fellowship, and agreed, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.

but the Lord said to me, "be gone, for I will send you far hence, even to the Gentiles."

for I will not offer to mention any thing, but what Christ has wrought by me, to make the Gentiles christians, both in profession and practice: by virtue of the miracles and prodigies wrought by the power of the divine spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and the neighbouring country, quite to Illyricum, I have effectually preached the gospel of Christ: yet so as studiously to avoid preaching it where Christ was owned, lest I should build upon another man's foundation; for,read more.
as it is written, "they to whom he was not mentioned, shall see: and they that have not heard, shall understand."

I will not boast of any thing done without my province, but confine myself within that line by which God has mark'd out my bounds, and in which you are included. for I do not stretch beyond my limits to take you in; since in preaching the gospel of Christ, we are advanced even to you. I don't assume to myself the credit of other men's labours in another province, but hope, that when your faith is increased, the bounds now prescribed will be enlarged by you yet farther;read more.
so that I may preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not assume the credit of things ready prepared to my hand, in another man's province.

of this I was made a minister, according to the gracious gift God bestowed on me, by the effectual operation of his influence: upon me, who am the meanest of all christians, is this favour bestowed, that I should proclaim to the Gentiles the undiscoverable advantages by Christ; and display to all the world that mysterious dispensation, which from all past ages has been conceal'd in the secret purpose of God, who created all things:

for in barely preaching the gospel, I have nothing to glory in: because I am under an obligation to do it; yea, wo is unto me if I preach not the gospel.

I owe what service I can do to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians, to the learned, and to the illiterate. so, that as far as it depends upon me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you also, who are at Rome.

Shall I then, who know this terrible judgment of the Lord, endeavour to appease men? as for God, I am approved by him, and I trust also you are convinced of my being so approved. and this I say, not to commend myself again unto you, but to give you an occasion of glorying on my account, that you may confront those who make a false show of glorying. for if I glory even to transport, my glorying is in God: if I am moderate, my glorying is for your service.read more.
to this I am urg'd by the love I bear to Christ, persuaded as I am, that if one died for all, then were all in a dying state: and that he died for all,

we never courted you nor any others, from an affectation of human applause. instead of making our apostolical character any ways expensive to you, as we might; we behav'd to you with a tender regard, even as a mother, who nurses her own children. Our affection therefore to you being so great, we were as ready to give our lives for you, as we were to communicate the divine gospel to you, so much did you engage our love.read more.
for you remember, my brethren, our labour and toil: how we worked day and night, that in preaching the gospel of God, we might not be chargeable to any of you.

my answer to those who call me to account, is this: have we not a right to meat and drink? have not we the liberty to take a christian woman with us in our travels, as well as the rest of the apostles, as the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas did?read more.
or I and Barnabas, are we only excluded the privilege of not working? who ever serves in war at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and does not eat of the fruit? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock? is this only the voice of reason? does not the law express the same too? for it is written in the law of Moses, "thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." are oxen the objects of divine care? or is it said, no doubt, for our sakes? for our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he who plows should plow in hope; and that he who thresheth should expect the advantage. if for your benefit we have sown spirituals, is it so extraordinary if we should reap some benefit from your temporals? if others partake of your substance, have not I a better title? nevertheless, I have not made use of this privilege; but bear with any thing rather than obstruct the gospel of Christ. don't you know, that they who prepare the sacrifices, do eat of the sacrifice in the temple? and they who wait at the altar, have their portion from the altar? even so has the Lord ordained, that they who preach the gospel, should live by the gospel. but I have not made use of these advantages. neither have I writ this to obtain such maintenance: for I had rather die for want, than be deprived of such matter of glorying. for in barely preaching the gospel, I have nothing to glory in: because I am under an obligation to do it; yea, wo is unto me if I preach not the gospel. now if I do this willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, it is a dispensation of trust which must be discharged. whence then is my reward? why, from my preaching the gospel of Christ gratis, without making use of the privilege which the gospel gives me.

for in what were ye inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? an injury I hope you will easily forgive.

for we preach not our selves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, professing our selves your servants for his sake.

I call Christ, and the holy spirit to witness with my conscience, that I speak the truth without guile, when I say, that I have great heaviness, and continual sorrow in my heart. for I could wish to be as one anathematiz'd from the christian church for my brethren, who are of the same race as my self,

for tho' I am independent of all men, yet have I subjected myself to all, that I might gain the more. to the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law; to those who are without the law, as without that law, (not as being under no law to God, but as under the law to Christ) that I might gain those who are without the law.read more.
to the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak: I became all things to all men, that I might save all sorts of men. and I do all for the gospel's sake, that I may share in the benefits thereof.

Now I would have you know, my brethren, that what has happen'd to me, has only conduc'd to the progress of the gospel; so that the whole court and publick are well appriz'd that I am a prisoner upon the account of Jesus Christ. even many of our brethren, encourag'd by my bonds, preach the word with greater freedom and intrepidity.read more.
it is true, there are some who preach Christ out of a spirit of envy and contention; but others do it out of pure affection. those preach the gospel of Christ, not in sincerity, but from a principle of contention, with a view to inflame the persecution against me: the others act from affection, as knowing that I suffer for having defended the gospel. is it not however some advantage? since in either way, whether it be occasionally, or professedly, Christ is preach'd; which is now, and always will be matter of joy to me. for I know that this shall turn to my deliverance, thro' your prayers, by the spirit, which Jesus Christ will supply me with, agreeably to that expectation and persuasion I have, that I shall not labour in vain; but as I always have, so I shall still glorify Christ in my body, whether it be by life or by death: for if I live, I live to Christ; and if I die, I gain. whether it be an advantage to me or not still to lead this mortal life, what to chuse I cannot tell. I am doubly press'd between my desire to depart, in order to be with Christ, which is by far the best for ME; and my inclination to abide in this life, as being more advantageous for YOU: which consideration persuades me that I shall abide, and even continue some time with you all, to improve your advancement in the faith, and to promote your joy: that by my being present with you again, I may be the occasion of heightning your christian joy.

and lest I should be exalted above measure by the extraordinary revelations I have had, I was afflicted in my person, so that the messenger of satan insulted me; concerning which, I besought the Lord thrice, to make him leave me. but he said to me, "my favour is sufficient for thee: for my strength is shown to be perfect by thy weakness." with pleasure therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may be seen to dwell in me.read more.
I take pleasure then in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am afflicted, then it is I have fortitude.

but this treasure is lodg'd in such earthen vessels as we are, that the exceeding efficacy of it may appear to be from God, and not from us. I am press'd on every side, yet not crush'd; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; dejected, but not destroyed;read more.
always bearing about in my body the marks of sufferings like those of Jesus, so that Jesus might be plainly prov'd to be alive by the sufferings of my body.

as for us, we give no occasion of offence, that our ministry may not be blamed: but in all things I approve myself as the minister of God, by great constancy in afflictions, in torments, in distresses, from stripes, from imprisonments, from tumults, from labours, from watchings, from penury.read more.
I approve myself, by chastity, by knowledge, by meekness, by kindness, by sanctity of mind, by undisguised benevolence, by the preaching of truth, by the power of God, by the arms of justice, both offensive and defensive. in honour and disgrace, under infamy, and in repute: look'd upon as an impostor, while I say what is true; as unknown, and yet celebrated; as dying, and yet I am alive; as chastised, but not slain; as sorrowful, though always cheerful; as poor, tho' inriching many; as having nothing, though contented with every thing.

as if I was inferior to them. but whatever they pretend to, (I must be so vain) I pretend to the like. Are they Hebrews? so am I: are they Israelites? so am I: are they of the race of Abraham? so am I: are they ministers of Christ? is it my vanity? I am more so: in toilsome labours I surpass them, in stripes I am exceedingly beyond them, in prisons I have been oftner, and frequently in the very jaws of death.read more.
from the Jews I have five times received forty stripes save one. thrice was I whip'd with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I was shipwreck'd; a night and a day I was floating on the deep: in my voyages I have been frequently in perils from rivers, in perils from robbers, in perils from my own countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the country, in perils at sea, in perils among false brethren; expos'd to toil, to fatigue, to frequent watchings, to hunger and thirst, to frequent fastings, to cold and penury. besides these troubles from without, that which crouds upon me daily, the care of all the churches. who is afflicted, and I not suffer? who is offended, and I not inflam'd?

Am I become vain? 'tis you have forc'd me to it: for I ought to have been commended by you: since I am not inferior to the chiefest of the apostles, tho' in myself I am nothing. the marks indeed of an apostle I have shown among you by my extreme patience, by signs, and prodigies, and miracles.

Having travers'd the isle as far as to Paphos, they found a Jew there nam'd Barjesus, who was a false prophet and magician: he was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, a man of prudence: who sent for Barnabas and Saul, desiring to hear the word of God. but Elymas (a name which signifies Magus) opposed them, endeavouring to seduce the proconsul from the faith.read more.
then Saul, who was nam'd likewise Paul, full of the holy spirit, look'd fixedly upon him, and said, "thou heap of imposture and mischief, offspring of the devil, and enemy to all justice, wilt thou not cease to pervers men from the right ways of the Lord? his hand is falling upon thee, thou shalt be blind, and not see the sun for some time." immediately his eyes were covered with obscurity and darkness; so that he grop'd about for somebody to lead him by the hand. the proconsul seeing the fact, embraced the faith, being struck with admiration of the christian doctrine.

the miracles which God wrought by the ministry of Paul being of such an extraordinary nature, that by applying the handkerchiefs, or aprons that had touch'd his skin, to the distemper'd, they were cured, and the evil spirits came out of the possessed.

for I will not offer to mention any thing, but what Christ has wrought by me, to make the Gentiles christians, both in profession and practice: by virtue of the miracles and prodigies wrought by the power of the divine spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and the neighbouring country, quite to Illyricum,

my discourse, and my preaching did not consist in the persuasive reasonings of human wisdom, but in demonstrating the spiritual meaning of the scriptures: that your faith might not be owing to human wisdom, but to the divine influence.

for we are persuaded, my brethren, that you are the peculiar objects of divine favour; since the gospel we preach'd, did not consist only of words, but was fully confirm'd by miracles and gifts of the holy spirit, you yourselves being witnesses, what we did among you and for you.

the justification which God grants to those who acknowledge Christ and the power of his resurrection, who suffer after his example, and die to sin, as he died to the world, in order to obtain the resurrection of the just.

therefore being always certainly assur'd that whilst I sojourn in this body, I am absent from the Lord, (for I regulate my conduct by my future expectations, not by visible enjoyments: ) in this assurance, I say, I think it best to be quit of this body, and be present with the Lord.read more.
wherefore I studiously endeavour, whether staying in it, or departing out of it, to be acceptable to him. for we must all appear before the tribunal of Christ; that every one may receive the retribution, according as his actions in the body were either good or evil.

agreeably to that expectation and persuasion I have, that I shall not labour in vain; but as I always have, so I shall still glorify Christ in my body, whether it be by life or by death: for if I live, I live to Christ; and if I die, I gain. whether it be an advantage to me or not still to lead this mortal life, what to chuse I cannot tell.read more.
I am doubly press'd between my desire to depart, in order to be with Christ, which is by far the best for ME; and my inclination to abide in this life, as being more advantageous for YOU:

as for me, my blood will soon be pour'd out, and the time of my departure draws nigh: I have struggled in a glorious cause: I have finish'd my career: I have stood to the faith: I have nothing more to do, but to receive the crown of virtue reserv'd for me, which the Lord, the just judge, will give me in that day: and not only to me, but to those also, who have long'd for his appearance.

for you are sensible of the beneficence of our Lord Jesus Christ; powerful as he was, for your sake he became poor, that you through his poverty might be made rich.

I add, we that are better inform'd ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not study our own pleasure. let every one of us consult the good of his neighbour to his edification. for even Christ did not consult his own satisfaction; but as it is written, "the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me."

for the same temper of mind ought to be in you as was in Christ Jesus: who tho' he was the image of God, did not affect to appear with divine majesty, but divested himself thereof, by assuming the form of a servant: being made in the likeness of men,read more.
and his whole exterior showing nothing more than a meer man, he abased himself, and carried his submission so far as to die, even the death of the cross. wherefore God has highly exalted and given him a name, which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus both angels and men, the living and the dead, should pay their adorations, and that every nation should confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the father.

Imitate herein my example as I do that of Christ.

This I don't write to give you any confusion, but by way of remonstrance, to you who are my dear children. for though you may have ten thousand christian preceptors, you cannot have many fathers; since it was I that first instructed you in the gospel of Christ Jesus: and therefore I intreat you, to copy after me.read more.
'tis for this end I have sent you Timothy, who is my dear disciple, and a faithful christian, who will inform you how I behave my self in every church where I teach the gospel of Christ.

for I am not yet secure of the prize, I have not yet finish'd my course: but I press to obtain the reward, which Jesus Christ invited me to. I don't imagine, my brethren, that I am arriv'd at the goal; but this I do, unmindful of what is pass'd, I stretch towards that which is in view, I press towards the mark for the prize to which God has called me from above by Jesus Christ.read more.
Let us therefore, who have been instructed, have this in view: and if you are sollicitous about any thing else, God will reveal even that unto you. in the mean while, as we are already advanc'd so far, pursue your course, and keep it still in view: tread in my steps, my brethren, and fix your eyes upon those who follow the example I give you.

Finally, my brethren, whatever has the character of truth, of dignity, of justice, of chastity, whatever can procure you esteem and reputation, in a word, if there be any thing virtuous or praise-worthy, let that be the object of your enquiry. practise what I have taught, what you have learnt of me, what you have heard me preach, and seen me practise. this do, and the God of peace will then be with you.

We direct you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from all those of your brethren, whose conduct is irregular, and not agreeable to the instructions they received from us. for you know what an example we have given for your imitation: that our conduct among you was regular: that we did not eat any man's bread for nothing: but with toil and fatigue work'd night and day to avoid being chargeable to any of you:read more.
not, that we had no just claim, but to present ourselves as a pattern, which you should imitate,

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and am filling up the measure of those remaining afflictions, which in my turn I am to suffer in this life, in the cause of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the church:

for as I have greatly suffered for Christ, so I have been greatly comforted thro' Christ. but whether I am afflicted, it is for your consolation and relief, which is effected by your perseverance, patiently enduring the same sufferings which I also undergo: or whether I am comforted, it is for your consolation and relief. and the hopes I had of you continue still the same, knowing that as you have had your share of suffering, so you will likewise have of consolation.read more.
For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of that insupportable weight of affliction that over-whelm'd me so in Asia that I despaired even of life: nay, I abandon'd my self to death, that I might not rely upon my self for deliverance, but on God who raiseth the dead.

but this treasure is lodg'd in such earthen vessels as we are, that the exceeding efficacy of it may appear to be from God, and not from us. I am press'd on every side, yet not crush'd; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; dejected, but not destroyed;read more.
always bearing about in my body the marks of sufferings like those of Jesus, so that Jesus might be plainly prov'd to be alive by the sufferings of my body. for as long as I live I shall be exposed to death for the sake of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest by the preservation of our mortal life. so that I suffer the influences of his death, while you only feel the effects of his life.

from henceforth let no man give me trouble; for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

for this is to me matter of glorying, the testimony of my conscience, that without artifice, and with religious sincerity, not by worldly wisdom, but by God's favourable assistance I have behaved my self towards all men, but more particularly to you.

At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him: and when they were arriv'd he told them, you know how I have always behav'd towards you from the first day of my arrival in Asia: how I have serv'd the Lord with all resignation, with tears, and trials occasion'd by the insidious practices of the Jews:read more.
that I have conceal'd nothing that might be useful to you, but have inform'd you of it, and instructed you therein, both in publick and in private: remonstrating both to Jews and Gentiles the advantages of a sincere repentance, and of believing

for we are not like others, who adulterate the word of God; but we preach the pure gospel of Christ, as I receiv'd it from God, and as in the presence of God.

Therefore, having by the divine favour such a ministry, I exert myself: renouncing all secret dishonesty, and void of all artifice, I deliver the word of God unadulterated, and recommend my self by urging the truth home to every man's conscience, as in the presence of God.

you are witnesses, and God is so too, how holy, how just and irreproachable our behaviour was to you, who believe. you likewise know, that we exhorted and encouraged every one of you, as a father doth his children, conjuring you to live suitably to the favour of God, who has called you to his kingdom and glory.

for God is my witness, that I love you with a christian tenderness.

If I have degraded myself for your advantage by preaching the holy gospel to you gratis, is that such a trespass? by taking wages of other churches, I may have injured them, to do you service. when I was present among you, and in want, I was chargeable to no man: for the brethren which came from Macedonia, supplied my necessities: and as I have, so I always shall keep myself from being burdensome to you.read more.
I solemnly protest, no man shall hinder me of this applause, in the regions of Achaia. why so? is it because I love you not? far otherwise, God knows.

This is the third time I purposed to come to you; but I will not be burdensome to you; for I seek not yours, but you: since it is not expected children should lay up for their parents, but parents for their children: on the contrary, I shall be glad to sacrifice myself and all I have for your service, even tho' it should happen that the more I love you, the less I should be beloved.

may the Lord make you increase and abound in mutual love, in love towards all men, as we do towards you:

We always mention you in our prayers, and give thanks to God for you all:

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is celebrated through the whole world. for God is my witness, to whom I am entirely devoted, in preaching the gospel of his son, that I constantly make mention of you, in my prayers, requesting, if it be God's will, that I might now at length have the happiness of coming to you.

Wherefore having heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and of your love to all christians, I continually give thanks upon your account, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, whereby ye may know him:read more.
an enlightned understanding, that ye may see what great expectations he has called you to, and what abundant glory it is to the saints to be the lot of his inheritance. and how exceedingly great that power is, which he has employ'd upon us who believe, a power corresponding to that energy of his mighty strength;

Wherefore we continually pray, that our God would by his power effect all the gracious designs of his goodness, and accomplish the work of faith in you; that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified by you, and you by him, by the favour of our God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My brethren, pray for us.

in the mean time, I conjure you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the spirit, that you join with me in earnest prayers to God for me; that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea; and that the charitable service which I am employed about, for the converts at Jerusalem, may be acceptable to them: that by the will of God we may meet with joy, and rest together in peace.

in particular for me, that I may have leave to speak without any restraint, and make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an embassador, tho' in chains: that I may duely represent it to the full.

we then are ambassadors for Christ, and 'tis God who makes you the offers by us: we pray you in the name of Christ, to make your peace with God.

I have effectually preached the gospel of Christ: yet so as studiously to avoid preaching it where Christ was owned, lest I should build upon another man's foundation; for,

according to the free gift of God bestowed upon me, I, as a skilful architect, have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. but let every man take heed how he builds thereupon.

who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye have received faith according to the divine gifts imparted to each of them? I have planted, Apollos watered: but God gave the increase. so then, neither is he that planted any thing, nor he that watered: it is God only that gives the increase.read more.
he that planteth, and he that watereth, have the same design: and each shall receive his proper reward, in proportion to his own labour. For we are fellow labourers employed by God: you are his field, and his mansion.

for though you may have ten thousand christian preceptors, you cannot have many fathers; since it was I that first instructed you in the gospel of Christ Jesus:

you likewise know, that we exhorted and encouraged every one of you, as a father doth his children, conjuring you to live suitably to the favour of God, who has called you to his kingdom and glory.

my dear children, how am I in pain, till Christ be formed in you?

we never courted you nor any others, from an affectation of human applause. instead of making our apostolical character any ways expensive to you, as we might; we behav'd to you with a tender regard, even as a mother, who nurses her own children.

for it seems as if God had exposed us apostles the last upon the stage, as persons appointed to death. for we are made a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.

but thanks be to God, who maketh me triumph, thro' Christ, and spreads his healing doctrine by me, in eevery place: for God is pleased to accept my christian labours, in favour both of those who are in a saving, and of those who are in a ruinous state: by the one my preaching is taken as a deadly poison, to the other it is a reviving potion. and who is so sufficient for such a commission?

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, chosen to declare the gospel dispensation,

the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the christians that are at Philippi, to the bishops, and to the deacons.

Paul a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to declare the faith which recommends men to the divine favour, and to convince them of that truth, which leads to piety,

As for you, my son, strenuously acquit yourself of the charge you have receiv'd from Christ Jesus. and what you heard me deliver in the presence of many, intrust to such persons of integrity as are qualified to instruct others

Keep that form of sound doctrine you receiv'd from me, which consists in christian faith and charity: that valuable depositum do you preserve by the holy spirit, which resides in us.