¶ Then shall they also answer him saying: master, when saw we thee an hungered, or a thirst, or harborless, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and have not ministered unto thee?
And the Lord said: who is a faithful steward, and a discreet, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their duetie of meat, at due season.
It hath pleased them verily, and their debtors are they. For if the gentiles be made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is to minister unto them in carnal things.
But by the faveour of God I am that I am. And his faveour which is in me was not in vain: but I laboured more abundantly than they all, not I, but the faveour of God which is with me.
According to the grace of god given unto me, as a wise builder have I laid the foundation, another hath built theron: but let every man take heed how he buildeth upon.
For who preferreth thee? What hast thou, that thou hast not received? if thou have received it: why rejoicest thou as though thou haddest not received it?
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy with the Lord at that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus thou knowest very well.
For a bishop must be such as no man can complain on, as it be cometh the minister of God not stubborn, not angry, no drunkard, no fighter, not given to filthy lucre:
For God is not unrighteous that he should forget your work, and labour that proceedeth of love, which love shewed in his name, which have ministered unto the saints, and yet minister.
The God of all grace, which called you unto his eternal glory by Christ Iesus, shall his own self after a little affliction make you perfect: shall settle, strengthe, and establishe you.
¶ By Silvanus a faithful brother unto you (as I suppose) have I written brevely, exhorting and testifying how that this is the true grace of God, wherein ye stand.