The GOD of All Comfort

Paul, an apostle of CHRIST JESUS by the will of GOD, and Timothy our brother,

       To the church of GOD in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:

       Grace and peace to you from GOD our FATHER and THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.


       Praise be to THE GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE FATHER of compassion and THE GOD of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from GOD. For just as the sufferings of CHRIST flow over into our lives, so also through CHRIST our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
       We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on GOD, who raises the dead. HE has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and HE will deliver us. On HIM we have set our hope that HE will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 1, verses 1 - 11

Paul's Change of Plans

       Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from GOD. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to GOD'S grace. For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of THE LORD JESUS.
       Because I was confident of this, I planned to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea. When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"?
       But as surely as GOD is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For THE SON OF GOD, JESUS CHRIST, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in HIM it has always been "Yes." For no matter how many promises GOD has made, they are "Yes" in CHRIST. And so through HIM the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of GOD. Now it is GOD who makes both us and you stand firm in CHRIST. HE anointed us, set HIS seal of ownership on us, and put HIS SPIRIT in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
       I call GOD as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did so that when I came I should not be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 1, verses 12 - 24 & chapter 2, verses 1 - 4

Forgiveness for the Sinner

       If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent--not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of CHRIST for your sake, in order that satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 2, verses 5 - 11

Ministers of the New Covenant

       Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of CHRIST and found that THE LORD had opened a door for me, I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-by to them and went on to Macedonia.
       But thanks be to GOD, who always leads us in triumphal procession in CHRIST and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of HIM. For we are to GOD the aroma of CHRIST among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of GOD for profit. On the contrary, in CHRIST we speak before GOD with sincerity, like men sent from GOD.
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from CHRIST, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with THE SPIRIT of THE LIVING GOD, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
       Such confidence as this is ours through CHRIST before GOD. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from GOD. HE has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of THE SPIRIT; for the letter kills, but THE SPIRIT gives life.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 2, verses 12 - 17 & chapter 3, verses 1 - 6

The Glory of the New Covenant

       Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of THE SPIRIT be even more glorious? If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
       Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in CHRIST is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to THE LORD, the veil is taken away. Now THE LORD is THE SPIRIT, and where THE SPIRIT of THE LORD is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect THE LORD'S glory, are being transformed into HIS likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from THE LORD, who is THE SPIRIT.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 3, verses 7 - 18

Treasures in Jars of Clay

Therefore, since through GOD'S mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of GOD. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of GOD. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of CHRIST, who is the image of GOD. For we do not preach ourselves, but JESUS CHRIST as LORD, and ourselves as your servants for JESUS' sake. For GOD, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made HIS light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of CHRIST.
       But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from GOD and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of JESUS, so that the life of JESUS may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for JESUS' sake, so that HIS life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
       It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised THE LORD JESUS from the dead will also raise us with JESUS and present us with you in HIS presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of GOD.
       Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 4

Our Heavenly Dwelling

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from GOD, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is GOD who has made us for this very purpose and has given us THE SPIRIT as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
       Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from THE LORD. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with THE LORD. So we make it our goal to please HIM, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of CHRIST, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 5, verses 1 - 10

The Ministry of Reconciliation

       Since, then, we know what it is to fear THE LORD, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to GOD, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of GOD; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For CHRIST'S love compels us, because we are convinced that ONE died for all, and therefore all died. And HE died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for HIM who died for them and was raised again.
       So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded CHRIST in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in CHRIST, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from GOD, who reconciled us to HIMSELF through CHRIST and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that GOD was reconciling the world to HIMSELF in CHRIST, not counting men's sins against them. And HE has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore CHRIST'S ambassadors, as though GOD were making HIS appeal through us. We implore you on CHRIST'S behalf: Be reconciled to GOD. GOD made HIM who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in HIM we might become the righteousness of GOD.
As GOD'S fellow workers we urge you not to receive GOD'S grace in vain. For HE says,

       "In the time of MY favor I heard you,
          and in the day of salvation I helped you."

I tell you, now is the time of GOD'S favor, now is the day of salvation.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 5, verses 11 - 21 & chapter 6, verses 1 & 2

Paul's Hardships

       We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of GOD we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distress; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in THE HOLY SPIRIT and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of GOD; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
       We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts also.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 6, verses 3 - 13

Do Not Be Yoked With Unbelievers

       Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between CHRIST and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of GOD and idols? For we are the temple of THE LIVING GOD. As GOD has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their GOD, and they will be MY people."

       "Therefore come out from them
          and be separate,
                                                        says THE LORD.
       Touch no unclean thing,
          and I will receive you."
       "I will be a FATHER to you,
          and you will be MY sons and daughters,
                                   says THE LORD ALMIGHTY."

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for GOD.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 6, verses 14 - 18 & chapter 7, verse 1

Paul's Joy

       Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
       For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn--conflicts on the outside, fears within. But GOD, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
       Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while--yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as GOD intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before GOD you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. By all this we are encouraged.
       In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 7, verses 2 - 16

Generosity Encouraged

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that GOD has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to THE LORD and then to us in keeping with GOD'S will. So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
       I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, that though HE was rich, yet for your sakes HE became poor, so that you through HIS poverty might become rich.
       And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
       Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 8, verses 1 - 15

Titus Sent to Corinth

       I thank GOD, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor THE LORD HIMSELF and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of THE LORD but also in the eyes of men.
       In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to CHRIST. Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we--not to say anything about you--would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 8, verses 16 - 24 & chapter 9, verses 1 - 5

Sowing Generously

       Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for GOD loves a cheerful giver. And GOD is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

       "HE has scattered abroad HIS gifts to the poor;

          HIS righteousness endures forever."

Now HE who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to GOD.

       This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of GOD'S people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to GOD. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise GOD for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of CHRIST, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace GOD has given you. Thanks be to GOD for HIS indescribable gift!

Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 9, verses 6 - 15

Paul's Defense of His Ministry

By the meekness and gentleness of CHRIST, I appeal to you--I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away! I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of GOD, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to CHRIST. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
       You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to CHRIST, he should consider again that we belong to CHRIST just as much as HE. For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority THE LORD gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it. I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing." Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.
       We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field GOD has assigned to us, a field that reaches even to you. We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of CHRIST. Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory. But, "Let him who boasts boast in THE LORD." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom THE LORD commends.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 10

Paul and the False Apostles

I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that. I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to CHRIST, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to HIM. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to CHRIST. For if someone comes to you and preaches a JESUS other than the JESUS we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those "super-apostles." I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
       Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of GOD to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. As surely as the truth of CHRIST is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. Why? Because I do not love you? GOD knows I do! And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.
       For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of CHRIST. And no wonder, for satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 11, verses 1 - 15

Paul Boasts About His Sufferings

       I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as THE LORD would, but as a fool. Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!
       What anyone else dares to boast about--I am speaking as a fool--I also dare to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. Are they servants of CHRIST? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
       If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. THE GOD and FATHER of THE LORD JESUS, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 11, verses 16 - 33

Paul's Vision and His Thorn

I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from THE LORD. I know a man in CHRIST who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know--GOD knows. And I know that this man--whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but GOD knows--was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weakness. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say.
       To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with THE LORD to take it away from me. But HE said to me, "MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that CHRIST'S power may rest on me. That is why, for CHRIST'S sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 2, verses 1 - 10

Paul's Concern for the Corinthians

       I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing. The things that mark an apostle--signs, wonders and miracles--were done among you with great perseverance. How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
       Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less? Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent you? I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not act in the same spirit and follow the same course?
       Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of GOD as those in CHRIST; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again my GOD will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 12, verses 11 - 21

Final Warnings | Final Greetings

This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that CHRIST is speaking through me. HE is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, HE was crucified in weakness, yet HE lives by GOD'S power. Likewise, we are weak in HIM, yet by GOD'S power we will live with HIM to serve you.
       Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that CHRIST JESUS is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to GOD that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority--the authority THE LORD gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.


       Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And THE GOD of love and peace will be with you.
       Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send their greetings.
       May the grace of THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, and the love of GOD, and the fellowship of THE HOLY SPIRIT be with you all.


Paul's 2nd Letter to the Corinthians: chapter 13

No Other Gospel

Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by man, but by JESUS CHRIST and GOD THE FATHER, who raised HIM from the dead--and all the brothers with me,

       To the churches in Galatia:

       Grace and peace to you from GOD our Father and THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, who gave HIMSELF for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our GOD and FATHER, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


       I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of CHRIST and are turning to a different gospel--which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of CHRIST. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
       Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of GOD? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of CHRIST.


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 1, verses 1 - 10

Paul Called by GOD

       I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from JESUS CHRIST.
       For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of GOD and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when GOD, who set me apart from birth and called me by HIS grace, was pleased to reveal HIS SON in me so that I might preach HIM among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
       Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles--only James, THE LORD'S brother. I assure you before GOD that what I am writing you is no lie. Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in CHRIST. They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they praised GOD because of me.


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 1, verses 11 - 24

Paul Accepted by the Apostles

Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in CHRIST JESUS and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.
       As for those who seemed to be important--whatever they were makes no difference to me; GOD does not judge by external appearance--those men added nothing to my message. On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. For GOD, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 2, verses 1 - 10

Paul Opposes Peter

       When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.
       When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?
       "We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in JESUS CHRIST. So we, too, have put our faith in CHRIST JESUS that we may be justified by faith in CHRIST and not by observing the law, because by observing the law none will be justified.
       "If, while we seek to be justified in CHRIST, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that CHRIST promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for GOD. I have been crucified with CHRIST and I no longer live, but CHRIST lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in THE SON OF GOD, who loved me and gave HIMSELF for me. I do not set aside the grace of GOD, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, CHRIST died for nothing!"


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 2, verses 11 - 21

Faith or Observance of The Law

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes JESUS CHRIST was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive THE SPIRIT by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with THE SPIRIT, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing--if it really was for nothing? Does GOD give you HIS SPIRIT and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?
       Consider Abraham: "He believed GOD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that GOD would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
       All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." Clearly no one is justified before GOD by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith." The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, "The man who does these things will live by them." CHRIST redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through CHRIST JESUS, so that by faith we might receive the promise of THE SPIRIT.


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 3, verses 1 - 14

The Law and the Promise

       Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is CHRIST. What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by GOD and thus do away with the promise. For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but GOD in HIS grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
       What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but GOD is one.
       Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of GOD? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in JESUS CHRIST, might be given to those who believe.
       Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to CHRIST that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 3, verses 15 - 25

Sons of GOD

       You are all sons of GOD through faith in CHRIST JESUS, for all of you who were baptized into CHRIST have clothed yourselves with CHRIST. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in CHRIST JESUS. If you belong to CHRIST, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. But when the time had fully come, GOD sent HIS SON, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, GOD sent THE SPIRIT of HIS SON into our hearts, THE SPIRIT who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, GOD has made you also an heir.


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 3, verses 26 - 29 & chapter 4, verses 1 - 7

Paul's Concern for the Galatians

       Formerly, when you did not know GOD, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know GOD--or rather are known by GOD--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.
       I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of GOD, as if I were CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF. What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
       Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until CHRIST is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 4, verses 8 - 20

Hagar and Sarah

       Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a promise.
       These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written:

       "Be glad, O barren woman,
          who bears no children;
       break forth and cry aloud,
          you who have no labor pains;
       because more are the children of the desolate woman
          than of her who has a husband."

Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of THE SPIRIT. It is the same now. But what does the Scripture say? "Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son." Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 4, verses 21 - 31

Freedom in CHRIST

It is for freedom that CHRIST has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
       Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, CHRIST will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from CHRIST; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through THE SPIRIT the righteousness for which we hope. For in CHRIST JESUS neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
       You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." I am confident in THE LORD that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!
       You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 5, verses 1 - 15

Life by THE SPIRIT

       So I say, live by THE SPIRIT, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to THE SPIRIT, and THE SPIRIT what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by THE SPIRIT, you are not under law.
       The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit The Kingdom of GOD.
       But the fruit of THE SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to CHRIST JESUS have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by THE SPIRIT, let us keep in step with THE SPIRIT. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 5, verses 16 - 26

Doing Good to All

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of CHRIST. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
       Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
       Do not be deceived: GOD cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please THE SPIRIT, from THE SPIRIT will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 6, verses 1 - 10

Not Circumcision but a New Creation

       See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
       Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of CHRIST. Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of GOD.
       Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of JESUS.
       The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.


Paul's Letter to the Galatians: chapter 6, verses 11 - 18

Spiritual Blessings in CHRIST

Paul, an apostle of CHRIST JESUS by the will of GOD,

       To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in CHRIST JESUS:


Grace and peace to you from GOD our FATHER and THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.



       Praise be to THE GOD AND FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in CHRIST. For HE chose us in HIM before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in HIS sight. In love HE predestined us to be adopted as HIS sons through JESUS CHRIST, in accordance with HIS pleasure and will--to the praise of HIS glorious grace, which HE has freely given us in THE ONE HE loves. In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of GOD'S grace that HE lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And HE made known to us the mystery of HIS will according to HIS good pleasure, which HE purposed in CHRIST, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even CHRIST.
       In HIM we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of HIM who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of HIS will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in CHRIST, might be for the praise of HIS glory. And you also were included in CHRIST when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in HIM with a seal, the promised HOLY SPIRIT, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are GOD'S possession--to the praise of HIS glory.


Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: chapter 1, verses 1 - 14

Thanksgiving and Prayer

       For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in THE LORD JESUS and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that THE GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE GLORIOUS FATHER, may give you THE SPIRIT of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know HIM better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which HE has called you, the riches of HIS glorious inheritance in the saints, and HIS incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of HIS mighty strength, which HE exerted in CHRIST when HE raised HIM from the dead and seated HIM at HIS right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And GOD placed all things under HIS feet and appointed HIM to be head over everything for the church, which is HIS body, the fullness of HIM who fills everything in every way.


Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: chapter 1, verses 15 - 23

Made Alive in CHRIST

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of HIS great love for us, GOD, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with CHRIST even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. And GOD raised us up with CHRIST and seated us with HIM in the heavenly realms in CHRIST JESUS, in order that in the coming ages HE might show the incomparable riches of HIS grace, expressed in HIS kindness to us in CHRIST JESUS. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from ourselves, it is the gift of GOD--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are GOD'S workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS to do good works, which GOD prepared in advance for us to do.


Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: chapter 2, verses 1 - 10

One in CHRIST

       Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)--remember that at that time you were separate from CHRIST, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without GOD in the world. But now in CHRIST JESUS you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of CHRIST.
       For HE HIMSELF is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in HIS flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. HIS purpose was to create in HIMSELF one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to GOD through the cross, by which HE put to death their hostility. HE came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through HIM we both have access to THE FATHER by one Spirit.
       Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with GOD'S people and members of GOD'S house-hold, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF as the chief cornerstone. In HIM the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in THE LORD. And in HIM you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which GOD lives by HIS SPIRIT.


Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: chapter 2, verses 11 - 22

Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of CHRIST JESUS for the sake of you Gentiles--Surely you have heard about the administration of GOD'S grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of CHRIST, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by THE SPIRIT to GOD'S holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in CHRIST JESUS.
       I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of GOD'S grace given me through the working of HIS power. Although I am less than the least of all GOD'S people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of CHRIST, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in GOD, who created all things. HIS intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of GOD should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to HIS eternal purpose which HE accomplished in CHRIST JESUS our LORD. In HIM and through faith in HIM we may approach GOD with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.


Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: chapter 3, verses 1 - 13

A Prayer for the Ephesians

       For this reason I kneel before THE FATHER, from whom HIS whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of HIS glorious riches HE may strengthen you with power through HIS SPIRIT in your inner being, so that CHRIST may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of CHRIST, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of GOD.
       Now to HIM who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to HIS power that is at work within us, to HIM be glory in the church and in CHRIST JESUS throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.


Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: chapter 3, verses 14 - 21

Unity in the Body of CHRIST

As a prisoner for THE LORD, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of THE SPIRIT through the bond of peace. There is one body and one SPIRIT--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one LORD, one faith, one baptism; one GOD and FATHER of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
       But to each one of us grace has been given as CHRIST apportioned it. This is why it says:

       "When HE ascended on high,
          HE led captives in HIS train
          and gave gifts to men."

(What does "HE ascended" mean except that HE also descended to the lower, earthly regions? HE who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was HE who gave some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare GOD'S people for works of service, so that the body of CHRIST may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of THE SON OF GOD and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of CHRIST.
       Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into HIM who is THE HEAD, that is, CHRIST. From HIM the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.


Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: chapter 4, verses 1 - 16