When they read it aloud, ¹  the people ²  rejoiced at its encouragement. ³ 

But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, ¹  encouragement, and consolation.

So Joseph, a Levite who was a native of Cyprus, called by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), ¹ 

For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope.

After he had gone through those regions ¹  and spoken many words of encouragement ²  to the believers there, ³  he came to Greece, ⁴ 

Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another ¹  in accordance with Christ Jesus,

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, ¹  any affection or mercy, ² 

I ¹  have had great joy and encouragement because ²  of your love, for the hearts ³  of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

After the reading from the law and the prophets, ¹  the leaders of the synagogue ²  sent them a message, ³  saying, “Brothers, ⁴  if you have any message ⁵  of exhortation ⁶  for the people, speak it.” ⁷ 

so that we who have found refuge in him ¹  may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie.

But if we are afflicted, ¹  it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort that you experience in your patient endurance of the same sufferings that we also suffer.

Therefore we have been encouraged. And in addition to our own encouragement, we rejoiced even more at the joy of Titus, because all of you have refreshed his spirit. ¹ 

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope,

We were encouraged ¹  not only by his arrival, but also by the encouragement ²  you gave ³  him, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, ⁴  your deep concern ⁵  for me, so that I rejoiced more than ever.

And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn ¹  the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects ²  you.

If I had not found encouragement in your law, ¹  I would have died in my sorrow. ² 

And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I ¹  stood to strengthen him and to provide protection for him.)

so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.

For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this.

Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. ¹