“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”
Therefore, my beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved — the affective language ('beloved,' 'longed for,' 'my joy') shows deep pastoral love. 'Crown' (stephanos, wreath) makes them his eschatological reward: they are his vindication. 'Stand firm thus in the Lord' (stēkō en kyriō) is the final exhortation: steadfastness is rooted in Christ. The repeated 'my beloved' (agapētoi) emphasizes intimacy. They are not subjects but beloved community.
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
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