for the equippingof the saintsfor the workof service,to the buildingup of the bodyof Christ;
but I have prayedfor you, that your faithmay not fail;and you, when onceyou have turned again,strengthenyour brothers."
"For he was countedamongus and receivedhis sharein thisministry."
to occupythisministryand apostleshipfrom whichJudasturned asideto goto his ownplace."
Then when he arrivedand witnessedthe graceof God,he rejoicedand [began] to encouragethem allwith resoluteheartto remain[true] to the Lord;
"But I do not considermy lifeof anyaccountas dearto myself,sothat I may finishmy courseand the ministrywhichI receivedfrom the LordJesus,to testify solemnlyof the gospelof the graceof God.
"Be on guardfor yourselvesand for allthe flock,amongwhichthe HolySpirithas madeyou overseers,to shepherdthe churchof GodwhichHe purchasedwith His ownblood.
Sothe churchthroughoutallJudeaand Galileeand Samariaenjoyedpeace,being builtup; and goingon in the fearof the Lordand in the comfortof the HolySpirit,it continued to increase.
sowe, who are many,are onebodyin Christ,and individuallymembersoneof another.
ifservice,in his serving;orhe who teaches,in his teaching;
So thenwe pursuethe things which make for peaceand the buildingup of one another.
And concerningyou, my brethren,I myselfalsoam convincedthat you yourselvesare fullof goodness,filledwith allknowledgeand ablealsoto admonishone another.
Eachof us is to pleasehis neighborfor his good,to his edification.
I knowthat when I cometo you, I will comein the fullnessof the blessingof Christ.
Nowyou are Christ'sbody,and individuallymembersof it.
But to each oneis giventhe manifestationof the Spiritfor the common good.
Soalsoyou, sinceyou are zealousof spiritual[gifts], seekto aboundfor the edificationof the church.
For ifI prayin a tongue,my spiritprays,but my mindis unfruitful.
Whatis [the outcome] then,brethren?Whenyou assemble,each onehasa psalm,hasa teaching,hasa revelation,hasa tongue,hasan interpretation.Let all thingsbe donefor edification.
All this timeyou have been thinkingthat we are defendingourselves to you. [Actually], it is in the sightof Godthat we have been speakingin Christ;and allfor your upbuilding,beloved.
Finally,brethren,rejoice,be made complete,be comforted,be like-minded,live in peace;and the Godof loveand peacewill be with you.
For we rejoicewhenwe ourselvesare weakbut you are strong;thiswe alsoprayfor, that you be made complete.
howwill the ministryof the Spiritfailto be even morewith glory?
Therefore,since we havethisministry,as we received mercy,we do not lose heart,
Nowall [these] thingsare from God,whoreconciledus to HimselfthroughChristand gaveus the ministryof reconciliation,
givingnocause for offensein anything,sothat the ministrywill not be discredited,
Therefore,havingthesepromises,beloved,let us cleanseourselvesfrom alldefilementof fleshand spirit,perfectingholinessin the fearof God.
whichis His body,the fullnessof Him who fillsallin all.
from whomthe wholebody,being fittedand held togetherby whateveryjointsupplies,accordingto the properworkingof eachindividualpart,causesthe growthof the bodyfor the buildingup of itselfin love.
Let nounwholesomewordproceedfrom your mouth,but onlysuch[a word] as is goodfor edificationaccording to the need[of the moment], sothat it will givegraceto thosewho hear.
[There is] onebodyand oneSpirit,justas alsoyou were calledin onehopeof your calling;
NowI rejoicein my sufferingsfor your sake,and in my fleshI do my shareon behalfof His body,whichis the church,in fillingup whatis lackingin Christ'safflictions.
We proclaimHim, admonishingeverymanand teachingeverymanwith allwisdom,sothat we may presenteverymancompletein Christ.
Sayto Archippus,"Take heedto the ministrywhichyou have receivedin the Lord,that you may fulfillit."
I thankChristJesusour Lord,who has strengthenedme, becauseHe consideredme faithful,puttingme into service,
OnlyLukeis with me. Pickup Markand bringhim with you, for he is usefulto me for service.
But you, be soberin all things,endure hardship,dothe workof an evangelist,fulfillyour ministry.
Obeyyour leadersand submit[to them], for they keep watchoveryour soulsas those who will givean account.Let them dothiswith joyand not with grief,for thiswould be unprofitablefor you.
Thereforeleavingthe elementaryteachingabout the Christ,let us presson to maturity,not layingagaina foundationof repentancefrom deadworksand of faithtowardGod,
