My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously ¹  will also reap generously.

For you have heard of my former way of life ¹  in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it.

But from those who were influential ¹  (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism between people ² ) – those influential leaders ³  added ⁴  nothing to my message. ⁵ 

and most of the brothers and sisters, ¹  having confidence in the Lord ²  because of my imprisonment, now more than ever ³  dare to speak the word ⁴  fearlessly.

The former proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, because they think they can cause trouble for me in my imprisonment. ¹ 

for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance ¹  through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

complete my joy and be of the same mind, ¹  by having the same love, being united in spirit, ²  and having one purpose.

Finally, my brothers and sisters, ¹  rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

My aim is to know him, ¹  to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings, ²  and to be like him in his death,

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him).

Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters ¹  who are in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her ²  house. ³ 

to Timothy, my genuine child in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord!

Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess ¹  through the laying on of my hands.

May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment. ¹ 

To Titus, my genuine son in a common faith. Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior!

I wanted to keep him so that he could serve me in your place ¹  during ²  my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. ³ 

I, Paul, have written ¹  this letter ²  with my own hand: ³  I will repay it. I could also mention that you owe ⁴  me your very self.

But to which of the angels ¹  has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? ² 

“Therefore, I became provoked at that generation and said, ‘Their hearts are always wandering ¹  and they have not known my ways.’

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.