GOD'S WORD Translation GW
New International Version NIV
12 Brothers and sisters, I beg you to become like me. After all, I became like you were. You didn't do anything wrong to me.
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I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong.
13 You know that the first time I brought you the Good News I was ill.
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As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you,
14 Even though my illness was difficult for you, you didn't despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were God's messenger or Christ Jesus himself.
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and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.
15 What happened to your positive attitude? It's a fact that if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
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Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
16 Can it be that I have become your enemy for telling you the truth?
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Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17 These people [who distort the Good News] are devoted to you, but not in a good way. They don't want you to associate with me so that you will be devoted only to them.
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Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.
18 (Devotion to a good cause is always good, even when I'm not with you.)
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It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.
19 My children, I am suffering birth pains for you again until Christ is formed in you.
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My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
20 I wish I were with you right now so that I could change the tone of my voice. I'm completely puzzled by what you've done!
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how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.