I rejoice because I eagerly expect and hope that I will have nothing to be ashamed of, because through my boldness the Messiah will be exalted through me, now as always, whether I live or die.

But I don't place any value on my life, if only I can finish my race and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

At this Paul replied, "What do you mean by crying and breaking my heart? I'm ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but even to die for the name of the Lord Jesus!"

I will be very glad to spend my money and myself for you. Do you love me less because I love you so much?

We cared so deeply for you that we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but our very lives. That is how dear you were to us.

I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for my departure has come.

This is how we have come to know love: the Messiah gave his life for us. We, too, ought to give our lives for our brothers.

The sacrifice

I have been paid in full and have more than enough. I am fully supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus what you sent a fragrant aroma, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

I therefore urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices that are holy and pleasing to God, for this is the reasonable way for you to worship.

to be a minister of the Messiah Jesus to the gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering brought by gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, through him let us always bring God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess his name.

you, too, as living stones, are building yourselves up into a spiritual house and a holy priesthood, so that you may offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus, the Messiah.

I joy

I have great confidence in you. I am very proud of you. I am very much encouraged. I am overjoyed in all our troubles.

Now I am rejoicing while suffering for you as I complete in my flesh whatever remains of the Messiah's sufferings on behalf of his body, which is the church.

That's why, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you by your faith.

General references

Also prepare one fourth of a hin of wine for a drink offering or for the sacrifice of each lamb.

Then your rejoicing in the Messiah Jesus will increase along with mine when I visit with you again.