who also hath enabled me to be a minister of the new covenant, not of the literal sense, but of the spiritual meaning: it is the letter that denounces death, but the spirit gives life.

Now this is all owing to God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath made us the ministers of this reconciliation;

of this I was made a minister, according to the gracious gift God bestowed on me, by the effectual operation of his influence:

As

As to the case of celibacy, I have no positive instructions: yet my advice deserves to be regarded, as coming from one the divine favour has distinguished.

who was before a blasphemer, and a violent persecutor; but I obtained mercy, because I acted thro' ignorance in incrudelity.

of darkness into his marvellous light: you, who formerly were not a people, but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy,

We faint not

for which cause I am not discouraged, but tho' my body decays, yet my mind is daily renewed.

let us then not be weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we be not tired.

Wherefore I desire that you be not dejected at the tribulations I am under for your sake, which are matter of glory to you.

to these things I am equal, thro' Christ who strengthens me.

As for you, my brethren, be not weary of your commendable industry:

thou hast suffer'd, hast patience, for my name's sake thou hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

General references

I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in great agony:

My dear child, whatever you do in behalf of the brethren, and of those who are strangers, is commendable.