Monday of the 21st week after Pentecost

Brethren, I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my affliction. Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Macedónia, no Church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but only you. For even in Thessaloníca you sent aid once and again unto my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphrodítus the things which were sent from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, but especially those who are of Cæsar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

My son Timothy, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who chose him to be a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the farmer that labors who must take the first share of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my Gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.