May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised! In his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope because Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
God is the only one who can’t die. He lives in light that no one can approach. No one has seen him and no one can see him. Honor and power belong to him forever. Amen.
But, as you know, I didn’t come to Corinth on my way to Macedonia. I stayed away because I wanted to spare you. (God is my witness that this was the reason—may he take my life if I’m lying!)
I don’t want any of you to think that I’m not concerned about the people of Israel. They’re my family, my own flesh and blood. (I’m not lying, I’m telling you the truth as one in Christ—my conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it.)
Jesus told her, “Don’t hold on to me, because I haven’t ascended to the Father yet. Instead, go to those who believe in me and tell them, ‘I’m ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”