and so most of the Christian brothers have been exceedingly encouraged by my example to declare God's message without any fear of the consequences.

For you have been granted the privilege not only of trusting in Christ but of suffering for him.

So, my dear friends, as you have always been obedient, with reverence and awe make every effort to insure your salvation, not simply as though I were with you, but all the more because I am away.

offering men the message of life. Then I will have reason to boast of you on the Day of Christ, because my exertion and labor have not been wasted.

For he has been longing to see you all, and has been greatly distressed because you heard that he was sick.

Not that I have secured it yet, or already reached perfection, but I am pressing on to see if I can capture it, because I have been captured by Jesus Christ.

I was very glad, as a Christian, to have your interest in me revive again after so long; for you have always been interested, but you have had no opportunity to show it.