No, we speak as people God has approved and entrusted with the good news. We’re not trying to please people; we’re trying to please God, who tests our hearts.
Instead, we refuse to do secret and shameful things. We don’t trick anyone, and we don’t twist God’s word. We do just the opposite! We present the truth plainly so that everyone can judge us in their own conscience before God.
In everything I did, I showed you that we must work hard and help the weak. We must remember the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Long ago God planned that Jesus would be handed over to you. With the help of those who didn’t know God’s law, and under the plan God spoke long ago, you put him to death by nailing him to a cross.
I don’t call you slaves anymore, because slaves don’t know their master’s plans. Instead, I’ve called you friends, because I’ve told you everything I’ve learned from my Father.