O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather thy children together as a hen does her brood under her wings, and ye would not.

For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.

and to proclaim in his name repentance and remission of sins for all the nations, having begun from Jerusalem.

For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the assurance of God ineffective?

Brothers, truly my heart's desire and my supplication to God for Israel is for salvation.

Be thou not overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good.

To the weak I became as weak, so that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that by all means I might save some.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

Hold firm to thyself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this thou will save both thyself and those who hear thee.

General references

I do not receive glory from men.

John having earlier proclaimed, before his coming presence, the immersion of repentance to Israel.