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.
You suffered along with people in prison, and when your property was taken from you, you accepted that with joy, because you knew that God had given you better and more lasting things.
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.
“His master replied, ‘You’ve done well, good and faithful slave! Because you’ve been faithful with a few things, I’m going to put you in charge of many things. Come, share your master’s happiness!’
They were glad to do it, and it acknowledges their debt of gratitude. After all, if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they should also share their own earthly blessings with the Jews.
I, John, am your brother and your partner in the suffering, the kingdom, and the patient endurance of Jesus. I was on the island of Patmos because of God’s word and the testimony of Jesus.
Sometimes people spoke badly about you in front of others. Sometimes you were mistreated. At other times you stood side by side with people who were being treated like that.
