You shared the sufferings of prisoners, and when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something much better, which would last forever.

But please remember me when everything is going well for you, and please be kind enough to mention me to the king and help me get out of this prison.

After all, I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here in Egypt I didn't do anything to deserve being put in prison."

But the wine steward never gave Joseph another thought---he forgot all about him.

However, Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch who worked in the royal palace, heard that they had put me in the well. At that time the king was holding court at the Benjamin Gate.

"Your Majesty, what these men have done is wrong. They have put Jeremiah in the well, where he is sure to die of starvation, since there is no more food in the city."

So Ebedmelech went with the men to the palace storeroom and got some worn-out clothing which he let down to me by ropes.

and they pulled me up out of the well. After that I was kept in the courtyard.

naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.'

I was a stranger but you would not welcome me in your homes, naked but you would not clothe me; I was sick and in prison but you would not take care of me.'

The jailer called for a light, rushed in, and fell trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas.

They answered, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved---you and your family."

At that very hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; and he and all his family were baptized at once.

He ordered the officer in charge of Paul to keep him under guard, but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to provide for his needs.

The next day we arrived at Sidon. Julius was kind to Paul and allowed him to go and see his friends, to be given what he needed.

I urge you, then---I who am a prisoner because I serve the Lord: live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you.

But it was very good of you to help me in my troubles.

More than once when I needed help in Thessalonica, you sent it to me.

Here, then, is my receipt for everything you have given me---and it has been more than enough! I have all I need now that Epaphroditus has brought me all your gifts. They are like a sweet-smelling offering to God, a sacrifice which is acceptable and pleasing to him.

With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul.Do not forget my chains! May God's grace be with you.

May the Lord show mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he cheered me up many times. He was not ashamed that I am in prison,

May the Lord grant him his mercy on that Day! And you know very well how much he did for me in Ephesus.

They told me that those who had survived and were back in the homeland were in great difficulty and that the foreigners who lived nearby looked down on them. They also told me that the walls of Jerusalem were still broken down and that the gates had not been restored since the time they were burned.

When I heard all this, I sat down and wept. For several days I mourned and did not eat. I prayed to God,

Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.

If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness.

My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too.

Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.

To conclude: you must all have the same attitude and the same feelings; love one another, and be kind and humble with one another.