But thanks be to God, who always leads us as if we were prisoners in Christ’s victory parade. He uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere like perfume.
through the power of signs and wonders, and through the power of the Spirit of God. I have now preached the good news about Christ to everyone from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum.
But you must keep your faith steady and firm and not move away from the hope that the good news is offering you. This is the good news that you heard. It has been preached to every creature under heaven and I, Paul, am its servant.
that has come to you. In the same way, the good news is bearing fruit and growing all over the world, as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
I’ve already received my full pay, and I have more than enough. I have everything I need, now that Epaphroditus has brought me the gifts you sent. They’re a sweet-smelling offering, a sacrifice that God accepts and that makes him happy.
especially as you help us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks to God for the kindness he has shown us in answer to many people’s prayers.
“I’ve told you these things so that you can have peace because of me. In this world you’re going to have trouble. But be encouraged! I’ve already defeated the world.”
The Lord’s message rang out from you, and not just in Macedonia and Achaia. Your faith in God has become known everywhere, so we don’t have to say anything about it.