So, for my part, brothers, I could not treat you as spiritual persons; I had to treat you just as creatures of flesh and blood, as babies in Christian living.

Certainly this is nothing for you to boast of. Do you not know that a little yeast will affect all the dough?

"He has done mighty deeds with his arm, He has routed the proud-minded,

"Alas for you who have plenty to eat now, for you will be hungry! "Alas for you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep!

By the favor that God has shown me, I would tell every one of you not to think too highly of himself, but to think reasonably, judging himself by the degree of faith God has allowed him.

For if anyone thinks he is somebody when he is really nobody, he is deceiving himself.

Because you say, "I am rich, I have become wealthy, I need nothing," and you do not know that it is you that are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked,

Without

Some of you seem to think that I am not coming to visit you, and are putting on airs about it.

I know that after I am gone savage wolves will get in among you and will not spare the flock,

Whatever happens, show yourselves citizens worthy of the good news of the Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am kept away and only hear news of you, I may know that you are standing firm with one spirit, one purpose, fighting side by side for faith in the good news.

So, my dear friends, as you have always been obedient, with reverence and awe make every effort to insure your salvation, not simply as though I were with you, but all the more because I am away.

And i

"In a hurry or not," said Paul, "I would to God that not only you, but all who hear me today, might be what I am??xcept for these chains!"

I wish you would put up with a little folly from me. Do put up with it!

Ye did

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

I am glad to be weak, if you are strong! That is what I pray for??he perfecting of your characters.

For what hope or happiness shall we have or what prize to be proud of in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes, except you?

But now that Timothy has just come back to me from you, and brought me good news of your faith and love, and told me how kindly you think of me and that you long to see me just as much as I long to see you,

How true those words are! "If we have died with him, we will live with him!

and have made them a kingdom of priests for our God, and they are to reign over the earth."

General references

Some of you seem to think that I am not coming to visit you, and are putting on airs about it.

So the man who thinks he can stand must be on his guard against a fall.

But, as it is, you pride yourselves on your pretensions. All such pride is wrong.