of goodness and knowledge (v14). These go hand in hand in the Christian life. As we grow in the knowledge of Christ we will grow in goodness.

One of the outcomes of such growth is being able to teach and help others (v14b). are you growing into becoming a wise teacher of others?

Paul then speaks of his ministry as being about presenting Gentiles (non-Jews) to God as holy people. This is achieved by the Holy Spirit (v15-16).

He then speaks of his authority as an apostle coming through the miracles done through him (v17-19). He needed this strong evidence for the gospel as he was constantly seeking to invade new areas with that gospel (v20-21). God’s Word in the different eras that it was written, was authenticated by miracles, whether the miracles of Moses, Elijah, Jesus or the apostles.

Have you the passion that Paul had? A passion to see people grow in knowledge and goodness? A passion to see people reached who never heard the Gospel before? In knowing Christ, these things should be important.