having predetermin'd to adopt us by Jesus Christ to be his children, according to the good pleasure of his own will,

for he has discover'd to us the secret of his will, that out of his meer good pleasure, he had purposed in himself,

but whatever is unjustifiable will be brought to light: and that will show them to be unjustifiable.

wherefore be not imprudent, but consider what is agreeable to the divine will.

not doing your work meerly out of regard to their presence or their pleasure, but as the servants of Christ, in hearty obedience to the will of God:

As to the state of my affairs, and health, Tychicus our dear brother, and faithful minister in the Lord, will very particularly acquaint you with them.