Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that I have often purposed to come to you, (though I have been hindred hitherto) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the other Gentiles.

By whom also we have been introduced through faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Know ye not, that as many of us have been baptized into Jesus Christ, have been baptized into his death?

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were the servants of sin, ye have now obeyed from the heart the form of doctrine into which ye have been delivered.

And as Isaiah had said before, Unless the Lord of hosts had left us a seed, we had been as Sodom, and had been made like Gomorrah.

So these also have now been disobedient, that through your mercy they may likewise find mercy.

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?

But I have striven, so to preach the gospel, not where Christ had been named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation.

Therefore I have been long hindered from coming to you.

That ye may receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and assist her in whatsoever business she needeth you: for she hath been an helper of many, and of myself also.