“A time is coming when you’ll be scattered and you’ll go to your own homes. In fact, that time is already here. You’ll leave me all alone. But I’m not really alone, because my Father is with me.
But make sure that you honor Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope you have. But do this gently and with respect.
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.
Look at what that godly sadness has produced in you. You’re working hard to clear yourselves. You’re upset and alarmed. You’re longing to see me. You’re concerned about what has happened. You want to make sure that the right thing is done. In every way, you’ve shown that you’re not at fault.
“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.
and it doesn’t treat other people with disrespect. Love doesn’t look out for its own interests. It doesn’t become angry easily. It doesn’t keep track of other people’s wrongs.