Study Desk

But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death.

And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.

An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don't have a reputation for being wild or rebellious.

For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation.

They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money.

Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.

As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.

This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.

I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter.

This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker,

I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon,

because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people.

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people.

That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do.

But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.

I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf.

It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.

He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.