¹⁸ But it is good to have an interest in a good cause at all times, and not only when I am present with you.

¹⁹ To all those who are dear to me, I give sharp words and punishment: then with all your heart have sorrow for your evil ways.

¹⁴ Who gave himself for us, so that he might make us free from all wrongdoing, and make for himself a people clean in heart and on fire with good works.

¹² So then, my loved ones, as you have at all times done what I say, not only when I am present, but now much more when I am not with you, give yourselves to working out your salvation with fear in your hearts;

²⁷ Only let your behaviour do credit to the good news of Christ, so that if I come and see you or if I am away from you, I may have news of you that you are strong in one spirit, working together with one soul for the faith of the good news;

¹³ But you have knowledge that with a feeble body I was preaching the good news to you the first time;

²⁰ Truly my desire is to be present with you now, using a changed voice; for I am troubled about you.

⁵⁸ For this cause, my dear brothers, be strong in purpose and unmoved, ever giving yourselves to the work of the Lord, because you are certain that your work is not without effect in the Lord.

¹⁷ And it came to the minds of the disciples that the Writings say, I am on fire with passion for your house.

¹⁷ Yes, he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and salvation as a head-dress; and he put on punishment as clothing, and wrath as a robe.

¹³⁹ My passion has overcome me; because my haters are turned away from your words.

⁹ I am on fire with passion for your house; and the hard things which are said about you have come on me.

¹¹ Through Phinehas, and because of his passion for my honour, my wrath has been turned away from the children of Israel, so that I have not sent destruction on them all in my wrath.

¹² So say to them that I will make with him an agreement of peace:

¹³ And by this agreement, he and his sons after him have the right to be priests for ever; because, by his care for the honour of his God, he took away the sin of the children of Israel.