Wednesday, November 12

1For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.

2But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.

3For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

4But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

5For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness.

6Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

7But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

8So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

48But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

49'I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

50But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!

51Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.

52For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three.

53Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.'

54Then He also said to the multitudes, 'Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming'; and so it is.

55And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be hot weather'; and there is.

56Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?

57'Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?

58When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.

59I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.'