Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints—
(I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)
Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints,
begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—
that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb,
For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.
For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.
For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence,
that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal,
Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.
Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.