The jealous ones are preaching about Christ out of selfish ambition; they’re not doing it sincerely. They think they can create trouble for me while I’m being held in chains.
It’s right for me to feel this way about all of you. You have a special place in my heart. Whether I’m being held in chains or standing up for the truth of the good news, either way, all of you share together in God’s grace with me.
That’s why I’m writing these things now, while I’m away. Then when I do come, I won’t have to use my authority and be hard on you. The Lord gave me that authority to build you up, not to tear you down.
Take a good look at yourselves to see if you really are believers. Test yourselves. Don’t you realize that Christ Jesus is in you? Unless, of course, you fail the test!
If anyone thinks they’re a prophet or that they have other gifts from the Spirit, they should agree that what I’m writing to you is the Lord’s command.
“I told them that’s not the way Romans do things. We don’t judge anyone before they’ve had the chance to face the people bringing charges against them and answer for themselves.
