We are not commending ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart.
“ I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh along with my balsam. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, friends; Drink and drink deeply, lovers.”
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked an opportunity to act.
holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.