Tell it, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who has declared this from ancient time? who has told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no other God besides me; a just God and a Savior; there is none besides me.
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, a fragrance of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.
Furthermore then we plead with you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you learned from us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.
But if any widow has children or nephews, let them first learn to show piety at home, and to repay their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
For what glory is it, if when you are beaten for your faults, you shall take it patiently? But if, when you do well, and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
You also, as living stones, are built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.