Branches of the Cross

But suppose it is as some people say — people who are godless, that is, unbelievers — that he only seemed to suffer. They are the ones who only seem to be anything. Then why am I in chains? Why do I pray to fight wild beasts? In that case I am dying for nothing. In that case I am telling lies about the Lord. [a]

So run from the evil shoots that bear deadly fruit. One taste of it and a man dies on the spot. For these people are no planting of the Father. If they were, they would show as branches of the cross, and their fruit would never rot — the cross through which, by his suffering, he calls you, who are parts of his own body. So a head cannot be brought into the world by itself, without the rest of the body; and God promises that joining, which is himself. [e]

I greet you from Smyrna, along with the churches of God that are here with me. Their people have given me rest in every way, in flesh and in spirit. My chains urge you on — the chains I carry about for Jesus Christ, as I beg to reach God. Stay in your harmony, and in prayer with one another. It is right for each of you, and above all for the elders, to give the overseer relief, to the honor of the Father, of Jesus Christ, and of the apostles. [g]

I pray that you will listen to me in love, so that what I have written does not end up as evidence against you. And pray for me as well. I need your love, and God’s mercy with it, if I am to be counted worthy of the lot I am bound for, and not be found to have failed the test.

The love of the Smyrnaeans and Ephesians greets you. Remember the church in Syria in your prayers; I am not worthy to be counted one of them, being the last of them. Farewell in Jesus Christ. Submit to the overseer as to the command, and to the council of elders in the same way. And love one another, man by man, with an undivided heart. [k]

My own spirit is set apart as an offering for you — not only now, but when I reach God as well. I am still in danger. But the Father is faithful, in Jesus Christ, to fulfill both my request and yours. May you be found in him without a blemish.