Study Desk

It was a Cretan himself, one of their own prophets, who spoke the truth when he said, "Cretans are always liars, wicked beasts, and lazy gluttons." For this reason you must rebuke them sharply, so that they may have a healthy faith

Everything is pure to those who are themselves pure; but nothing is pure to those who are defiled and unbelieving, for their minds and consciences have been defiled.

For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people.

as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear.

He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good.

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, and wrong. We were slaves to passions and pleasures of all kinds. We spent our lives in malice and envy; others hated us and we hated them.

so that by his grace we might be put right with God and come into possession of the eternal life we hope for.

This is a true saying. I want you to give special emphasis to these matters, so that those who believe in God may be concerned with giving their time to doing good deeds, which are good and useful for everyone.

Our people must learn to spend their time doing good, in order to provide for real needs; they should not live useless lives.

From Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy— To our friend and fellow worker Philemon,

For I hear of your love for all of God's people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus.

For this reason I could be bold enough, as your brother in Christ, to order you to do what should be done.

But because I love you, I make a request instead. I do this even though I am Paul, the ambassador of Christ Jesus, and at present also a prisoner for his sake.

So I make a request to you on behalf of Onesimus, who is my own son in Christ; for while in prison I have become his spiritual father.

I would like to keep him here with me, while I am in prison for the gospel's sake, so that he could help me in your place.

However, I do not want to force you to help me; rather, I would like for you to do it of your own free will. So I will not do anything unless you agree.

It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time.

So, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake; as a brother in Christ, cheer me up!

At the same time, get a room ready for me, because I hope that God will answer the prayers of all of you and give me back to you.

Epaphras, who is in prison with me for the sake of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings,