And just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, let us also bear ¹  the image of the man of heaven.

And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

Thus ¹  we urged ²  Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, ³  so also he should complete this act of kindness ⁴  for you.

as it is written: “The one who gathered ¹  much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.” ² 

Each one of you should give ¹  just as he has decided in his heart, ²  not reluctantly ³  or under compulsion, ⁴  because God loves a cheerful giver.

Just as it is written, “He ¹  has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.” ² 

On the contrary, when they saw ¹  that I was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised ²  just as Peter was to the circumcised ³ 

For ¹  he chose us in Christ ²  before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished ³  in his sight ⁴  in love. ⁵ 

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you too were called to the one hope of your calling,

if indeed you heard about him and were taught in him, just as the truth is in Jesus.

Instead, ¹  be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you. ² 

Be imitators of me, ¹  brothers and sisters, ²  and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example.

You learned the gospel ¹  from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave ²  – a ³  faithful minister of Christ on our ⁴  behalf –

rooted ¹  and built up in him and firm ²  in your ³  faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know. ¹ 

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

As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus ¹  to instruct ²  certain people not to spread false teachings, ³ 

Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another ¹  as good stewards of the varied grace of God.

And everyone who has this hope focused ¹  on him purifies ²  himself, just as Jesus ³  is pure). ⁴ 

Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness ¹  is righteous, just as Jesus ²  is righteous.