While ¹  they were staying there many days, Festus ²  explained Paul’s case to the king to get his opinion, ³  saying, “There is a man left here as a prisoner by Felix.

After three months we put out to sea ¹  in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island and had the “Heavenly Twins” ²  as its figurehead. ³ 

Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch of dough – you are, in fact, without yeast. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

Because of the impending crisis I think it best for you to remain as you are.

But as God’s servants, ¹  we have commended ourselves in every way, ²  with great endurance, in persecutions, ³  in difficulties, in distresses,

For freedom ¹  Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke ²  of slavery.

With every prayer and petition, pray ¹  at all times in the Spirit, and to this end ²  be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints.

And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress ¹  and joy in the faith, ² 

to aspire to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you.

But since we are of the day, we must stay sober by putting on the breastplate ¹  of faith and love and as a helmet our hope for salvation. ² 

But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note of him and do not associate closely with him, so that he may be ashamed.

Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. ¹  Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

An elder must be blameless, ¹  the husband of one wife, ²  with faithful children ³  who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion.

When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

At the same time also, prepare a place for me to stay, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given back to you.

and like a robe you will fold them up and like a garment ¹  they will be changed, but you are the same and your years will never run out.” ² 

so that you may not be sluggish, ¹  but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherit the promises.

But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls. ¹ 

Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, ¹  is on the prowl looking for someone ²  to devour.

And now, little children, remain ¹  in him, ²  so that when ³  he appears we may have confidence and not shrink away from him in shame when he comes back. ⁴