By your patience possess your souls

Luke 21:19
By your patience possess your souls.

There is a distinction that we are spirit beings who live in a physical body and we possess a soul. The soul is the intellect, the mind, the emotions and feelings. The trouble is that these intellect, mind/thinking, emotions and feelings often takes first priority in us because we regard them as the truth. However they can be mistaken in thinking, emotions and so on. We know of a greater spiritual truth in Yshua and His revealed Word. Better that we take hold of the Word and let the Holy Spirit guide us. We can then use our intellect to check if things are consistent with the Word. Then developing patience, we can also put our emotions in check.

In much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses

2 Corinthians 6:4
But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses.

This is a good encouragement for ministry work. There will be times in our service that will stretch our patience. Sometimes there will be trials which makes things very difficult to serve. Other times there will be distresses. Paul urges his fellow workers to persevere through. The only way to do this is to keep our eyes and hearts on our Lord which is the reason for our service in the first place.

And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation

Revelation 13 - Continued

The Anti-Christ beast will speak great blasphemies. These blasphemies are more than derogatory or foul language. Instead they are words directly targeted at the Almighty God. They will be words that turn glory away from God and lies about God. However, it is God who allows this to be spoken by the Beast but only for 42 months or 3.5 years. The beast will target and destroy many of God's followers on earth.

Some believe that the Anti-Christ Beast will only rule part of the world and make war with the rest. In verse 7, it clearly states that the beast will have authority over all nations and all people, clearly ruling the whole world. All who remain will worship the beast, and they are the ones who are not God's people since their names are not written in the Book of the Lamb. The saints are called to be patient, some will die as captives, others will die by the sword.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches

This revelation give the detailed warnings to the seven different churches.

The church in Ephesus is acknowledged for its great service which include hardworking, patience and rejects evil. They have worked hard to promote the Gospel and according to the New Way. However, they are warned that their first love, which is supposed to be God, has waned. They are encouraged to overcome this and their reward is the fruits from tree of life.

The church in Smyrna is facing persecution and tribulations and is being acknowledged for that. The revelation is that these sufferings will continue, but they are encouraged to persevere. They are encouraged to overcome and their reward is the crown of life and they will not be hurt by the second death.

The church in Pergamos also worked for the gospel and have been faithful previously. However, currently, they have swayed to the doctrines of idol worshippers and also to a group called the Nicolaitians whom is totally against the Lord. The warnings against this church is for immediate repentance or face the Lord's judgment. They are encouraged to overcome and their rewards are hidden manna and a special stone with their names written on it.

The church in Thyatira are commended for their works, love, service, faith, and patience. However, they have been influenced by Jezebel, a prophetess. This may be a person but may also be prophetic symbol of idolatry in future which led the believers sexual immorality. The Jezebel will be judged with her followers but there is salvation for them if they repent.  They are encouraged to overcome and their reward is power over the nations.






Revelation 2
The Loveless Church

2 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’

The Persecuted Church

8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,

‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’

The Compromising Church

12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,

‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.[a] 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’

The Corrupt Church

18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,

‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 “I know your works, love, service, faith,[b] and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow[c] that woman[d] Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce[e] My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.[f] 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their[g] deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

24 “Now to you I say, and[h] to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will[i] put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—

27 ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron;
They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’[j]—
as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star.

29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’

Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand

This Scripture begins with a stern warning for the wealthy and privileged. God is not against wealth but is against those who place their confidence in their self created wealth and resources. It warns that the riches like gold and silver can be corroded. They gain their wealth immorally by not paying what is due to their employees. God hears this injustice and judgment will come.

The believers are urged to be patient as they wait for the Lord's Coming and justice to be carried out. We are to see the prophets as examples for their sufferings and their patience. The Lord God is merciful and compassionate. We are also to speak simply and it is not necessary to make oaths and promises.

We are to live a life of prayer and worship. When we are suffering or in need - pray. When we are happy and content - sing psalms and praises to Yshua. If we are sick or in repentance, we can also ask others including elders of the church to pray for us. There is no formula or rules of who can pray, rather we should pray for each other. Elijah is said to be like any of us in many ways - except that he is an earnest prayer person. In addition we are also called to bring any brethren back if they fall away.




James 5
Rich Oppressors Will Be Judged

1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. 4 Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.[a] 5 You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as[b] in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.

Be Patient and Persevering

7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.[c] Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.[d]

Meeting Specific Needs

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses[e] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

Bring Back the Erring One

19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul[f] from death and cover a multitude of sins.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves

James is writing to an audience he addresses as the Twelve Tribes. This would not be the Twelve Tribes from the children of Israel / Jacob, since ten of those tribes have been lost. Or perhaps it could be a prophetic message as well, addressed to the original Twelve tribes when they will be found in the future. It is likely that the Twelve Tribes refer to the fruits of the Twelve disciples, most of whom have been dispersed from Jerusalem.

Wisdom is one of the things that God will give to whomever asks for it. The other advice about asking God, is to ask in faith and do not doubt that God will give. The rich and powerful are told to be humble, because their time on earth is limited like any other person.

Regarding temptation, when we endure through it, we will receive the crown of life from God. The temptations are not given by God because God does not tempt. Rather, temptation comes from our own desire and can lead to sin and finally leads to death. God, however, gives us good and perfect gifts because we are the firstfruits of His creatures.

Some of the advices given include: quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, put aside wickedness, receive the word, be doers of the word, control our tongue, care for the disadvantaged and doing all the good works without seeking attention to ourselves.




James 1
Greeting to the Twelve Tribes

1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:

Greetings.

Profiting from Trials

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

The Perspective of Rich and Poor

9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Loving God Under Trials

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Qualities Needed in Trials

19 So then,[a] my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Doers—Not Hearers Only

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

26 If anyone among you[b] thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name

The foundations of the gospel of Christ include repentance, faith towards God, baptism, laying hands, resurrection of the dead, eternal judgment. All these are considered to be the basics of doctrines. As the Christian matures, they should have these principles but also to expand beyond this. There is a warning that people who have experienced these foundational doctrines, then turned away, it would not be possible for them to come back. Perhaps it indicates that after knowing the truth and yet fall away, they must not have truly believed in the first place.

God recognizes our work for Him, even though it is not counted for salvation. The author urges believers to keep the hope and faith and patience to the end, to inherit the promises. Abraham is mentioned as the example whose faith led him to hope in God's promises to the end. The fact that God could not lie also strengthens our hope. Jesus also has led us by example of entering into the presence of God, and be a High Priest for us, again mentioning of the order of Melchizedek.




Hebrews 6
The Peril of Not Progressing

1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will[a] do if God permits.

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away,[b] to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

A Better Estimate

9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of[c] love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

God’s Infallible Purpose in Christ

13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”[d] 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. 17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might[e] have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men

As the last chapter describes the qualities of elders, this chapter too describes the qualities of believers but for various different groups. The older men are called to be patient, having love and faith. The older women have more roles especially in teaching the younger generation and being good examples to younger women. Young men are called to live righteously while workers are called to be diligent at work.

The main themes for the different groups of believers are to live soberly or be sober-minded, as oppose to physically drunk or even drunk by the lust of worldly pursuits. Believers should also deny ungodliness and pursue live righteously. Finally we are reminded of the blessed hope of our Lord Jesus appearing again. So in the mean time, we are to tell others that the Lord has gave Himself up and redeemed us.




Titus 2
Qualities of a Sound Church

1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,[a] 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.[b]

9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Trained by Saving Grace

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

That we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith

This is an encouragement to pray for one another. It also reminds us that the Lord is faithful to protect us and keep us from evil. The believers are warned to avoid people who are disorderly and those who are lazy to work. Instead the believers are urged to work diligently to earn a living. Furthermore, the believers are not to treat the disorderly people as enemies but to correct them as brothers.




2 Thessalonians 3
Pray for Us

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.

5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

Warning Against Idleness

6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he[a] received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Benediction

16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth

This first chapter is a greeting in the letter to the Thessalonians. Paul was writing in the company of Silvanus and Timothy it seems. Paul commends the Thessalonians on their hard work and their patience. The Thessalonians appear to be living in the faith and experiencing the power of God through the Holy Spirit.

The Thessalonians received the word but probably not without struggle and hardship. However they overcame any difficulty and became an example in the region. They also help spread the Word to Macedonia and Achaia.




1 Thessalonians 1
Greeting

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.[a]

Their Good Example

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification

Paul instructs us to support each other and exercise patience and comfort as Christ did. Again Paul reveals that the salvation of Gentiles has been part of God's plans. The promised seed of David which is the Messiah, will also be King for all the Gentiles too.

Paul also mentions a few things to the recipients of the letter. He confirms that it is the right thing for the gentile believers to provide monetary support to the believers in Jerusalem who needed support. He outlines his desire to be in Rome and also revealed that he has been to Spain.




Romans 15
Bearing Others’ Burdens

1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”[a] 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Glorify God Together

7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us,[b] to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:

“For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles,
And sing to Your name.”[c]
10 And again he says:

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!”[d]
11 And again:

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles!
Laud Him, all you peoples!”[e]
12 And again, Isaiah says:

“There shall be a root of Jesse;
And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”[f]
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

From Jerusalem to Illyricum

14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.[g] 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, 21 but as it is written:

“To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
And those who have not heard shall understand.”[h]


Plan to Visit Rome

22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you.[i] For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel[j] of Christ.

30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.