Study Desk

Don't be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news.

God saved us and chose us to be his holy people. We did nothing to deserve this, but God planned it because he is so kind. Even before time began God planned for Christ Jesus to show kindness to us.

Everything in the Scriptures is God's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live.

The time is coming when people won't listen to good teaching. Instead, they will look for teachers who will please them by telling them only what they are itching to hear.

Now the time has come for me to die. My life is like a drink offering being poured out on the altar.

So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord. He judges fairly, and on the day of judgment he will give a crown to me and to everyone else who wants him to appear with power.

Alexander, the metalworker, has hurt me in many ways. But the Lord will pay him back for what he has done.

Alexander opposes what we preach. You had better watch out for him.

I left you in Crete to do what had been left undone and to appoint leaders for the churches in each town. As I told you,

they must have a good reputation and be faithful in marriage. Their children must be followers of the Lord and not have a reputation for being wild and disobedient.

Everything is pure for someone whose heart is pure. But nothing is pure for an unbeliever with a dirty mind. That person's mind and conscience are destroyed.

Always set a good example for others. Be sincere and serious when you teach.

or steal from them. They must be completely honest and trustworthy. Then everyone will show great respect for what is taught about God our Savior.

We are filled with hope, as we wait for the glorious return of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

This message is certainly true. These teachings are useful and helpful for everyone. I want you to insist that the people follow them, so that all who have faith in God will be sure to do good deeds.

From Paul, who is in jail for serving Christ Jesus, and from Timothy, who is like a brother because of our faith. Philemon, you work with us and are very dear to us. This letter is to you

I hear about your faith in our Lord Jesus and about your love for all of God's people.

But I would rather ask you to do it simply because of love. Yes, as someone in jail for Christ,

I would like to keep him here with me, where he could take your place in helping me while I am here in prison for preaching the good news.

Perhaps Onesimus was taken from you for a little while so that you could have him back for good,