Father Mike Schmitz

For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.

And they said to him, We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brethren coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you.

But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.

Paul preaches in Rome.

When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in great numbers, and he expounded the matter to them from morning till evening, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets.

And some were convinced by what he said, while others disbelieved.

So, as they disagreed among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement.

The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet, Go to this people and say, You shall indeed hear, but never understand, and you shall indeed see, but never perceive.

For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn from me to heal them.

Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles.

They will listen.

And he lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered.

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons, grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul's prayer for the Philippians.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine, for you all making my prayer with joy, thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

It is right for me to feel this way about you all because I hold you in my heart.

For you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.