Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders
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Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called i the elders of the church to come to him.
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And when they came to him, he said to them: j "You yourselves know k how I lived among you the whole time j from the first day that I set foot in Asia,
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l serving the Lord m with all humility and with n tears and with trials that happened to me through o the plots of the Jews;
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how I p did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and q teaching you in public and from house to house,
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r testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of s repentance toward God and of t faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained u by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there,
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except that v the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that w imprisonment and x afflictions await me.
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But y I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only z I may finish my course and a the ministry b that I received from the Lord Jesus, c to testify to d the gospel of e the grace of God.
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And now, behold, f I know that none of you among whom I have gone about g proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.
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Therefore h I testify to you this day that i I am innocent of the blood of all of you,
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for j I did not shrink from declaring to you k the whole counsel of God.
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l Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all m the flock, in which n the Holy Spirit has made you o overseers, p to care for q the church of God, which he r obtained s with his own blood.
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I r know that after my departure t fierce wolves will come in among you, u not sparing the flock;
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and v from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
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Therefore w be alert, remembering that x for three years I did not cease night or day y to admonish everyone z with tears.
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And now a I commend you to God and to b the word of his grace, which is able to c build you up and to give you d the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
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e I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
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f You yourselves know that g these hands ministered to my necessities and h to those who were with me.
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In all things i I have shown you that j by working hard in this way we must k help the weak and l remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed m to give than to receive.'"
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And when he had said these things, n he knelt down and prayed with them all.
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And o there was much weeping on the part of all; p they embraced Paul and p kissed him,
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being sorrowful most of all because of q the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And r they accompanied him to the ship.
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Cross References
Acts 11:30
And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 1:5
Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
Acts 20:31
Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.
Acts 20:34
You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 1:5
Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
Acts 20:31
Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.
Acts 20:34
You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.
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Cross References
Acts 18:19
And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Acts 19:1
And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples.
Acts 19:10
This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
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Cross References
Romans 12:11
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Colossians 3:24
Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:6 - 7
Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.
Ephesians 4:2
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.
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Cross References
Acts 20:31
Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.
2 Corinthians 2:4
For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.
Philippians 3:18
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
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Cross References
Acts 20:3
There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.
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Cross References
Acts 20:27
For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
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Cross References
Acts 20:31
Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears.
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Cross References
Acts 20:24
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 18:5
When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus.
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Cross References
Mark 1:15
And saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God.
Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
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Cross References
Ephesians 1:15
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints.
Colossians 1:4
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints.
1 Timothy 3:13
For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
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Cross References
Acts 17:16
Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.
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Cross References
Acts 21:4
And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:11
And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'
Acts 8:29
And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot.
Acts 9:16
For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.
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Cross References
Acts 21:33
Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done.
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Cross References
Acts 14:22
Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
1 Thessalonians 3:3
That no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.
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Cross References
Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
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Cross References
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
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Cross References
Acts 1:17
For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.
1 Timothy 1:12
I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service.
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Cross References
Galatians 1:1
Paul, an apostle - not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead -
1 Thessalonians 2:4
But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.
Acts 26:16
But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you.
Titus 1:3
And at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior.
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Cross References
Acts 20:21
Testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Cross References
Acts 15:7
And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
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Cross References
Acts 20:32
And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
1 Timothy 1:14
And the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Acts 11:23
When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.
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Cross References
Philippians 1:25
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith.
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Cross References
Acts 28:31
Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
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Cross References
Deuteronomy 8:19
And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.
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Cross References
Acts 18:6
And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.
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Cross References
Acts 20:20
How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house.
Jeremiah 26:2
Thus says the Lord : Stand in the court of the Lord 's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word.
Ezekiel 33:8
If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand.
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Cross References
Acts 13:36
For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption.
Luke 7:30
But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)
Acts 2:23
This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
Ephesians 1:11
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.
Hebrews 6:17
So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath.
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Cross References
1 Timothy 4:16
Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
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Cross References
Acts 20:29
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
Ephesians 4:11
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers.
Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
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Cross References
Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
1 Corinthians 12:8 - 11
For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit.
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Cross References
Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:
1 Timothy 3:2
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.
Titus 1:7
For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.
Acts 20:17
Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him.
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Cross References
John 21:16
He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:2
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
1 Corinthians 10:32
Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.
1 Corinthians 11:16
If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.
1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
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Cross References
2 Peter 2:1
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
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Cross References
Hebrews 9:12
He entered once for all into the holy places, n...
Hebrews 9:14
How much more will the blood of Christ, who thr...
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, th...
1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the li...
1 Peter 1:18 - 19
Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ...
Revelation 5:9
And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are y...
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Cross References
Acts 20:28
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
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Cross References
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
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Cross References
John 10:12
He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 11:19
For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
2 Corinthians 11:13
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
1 Timothy 1:19 - 20
Holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith.
1 John 2:18 - 19
Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
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Cross References
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Matthew 24:42
Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
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Cross References
Acts 19:8
And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
Acts 19:10
This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 24:17
Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.
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Cross References
Colossians 1:28
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
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Cross References
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Acts 20:19
Serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews.
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Cross References
Acts 14:23
And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
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Cross References
Acts 14:3
So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Acts 20:24
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
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Cross References
Colossians 2:7
Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
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Cross References
Acts 26:18
To open their eyes, so that they may turn from ...
Ephesians 1:14
Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until w...
Ephesians 1:18
Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, tha...
Ephesians 5:5
For you may be sure of this, that everyone who ...
Colossians 1:12
Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified ...
Colossians 3:24
Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the...
Hebrews 9:15
Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant,...
1 Peter 1:4
To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefil...
Matthew 25:34
Then the King will say to those on his right, '...
Romans 8:17
And if children, then heirs - heirs of God and ...
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:12
If others share this rightful claim on you, do ...
2 Corinthians 7:2
Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronge...
2 Corinthians 11:9
And when I was with you and was in need, I did ...
2 Corinthians 12:17
Did I take advantage of you through any of thos...
1 Samuel 12:3
Here I am; testify against me before the Lord a...
Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, ...
1 Thessalonians 2:5
For we never came with words of flattery, as yo...
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Cross References
Acts 20:18
And when they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia.
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Cross References
Acts 18:3
And because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
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Cross References
Acts 19:22
And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
Acts 19:29
So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel.
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Cross References
2 Thessalonians 3:7
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you.
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Cross References
Ephesians 4:28
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.
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Cross References
Acts 11:16
And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
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Cross References
Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.
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Cross References
Acts 7:60
And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
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Cross References
2 Timothy 1:4
As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.
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Cross References
Luke 15:20
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
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Cross References
Luke 15:20
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
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Cross References
Acts 20:25
And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again.
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Cross References
Acts 15:3
So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.