Be alert,
Stand firm in the Faith,
Show grown-up courage,
Be strong,
All the things you do, do in love.
I ask you,
sisters/brothers –
you know the household of Stephanus,
that it is a first-fruit in Archaia
and that they have devoted themselves
to the service of the ‘holy ones’
– so you be subject to these ones
and to everyone who cooperates (with them?)
and works hard.
Moreover I am delighted
over the coming of Stephanus
and Fortunatus
and Achaicus,
because
they make up for (my) want of you.
For they refreshed my spirit and yours.
So, recognise such people.
The churches of Asia greet you.
Aquila and Prisca,
together with the church that meets in their house
greet you warmly in the Lord.
All the brothers/sisters greet you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
This greeting, in my hand, Paul.
If someone does not love the Lord
let them be accursed.
‘Maranatha’ – Our Lord, come!
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.
O Lord, in whom is our hope,
remove far from us, we pray thee,
empty hopes and presumptuous confidence.
Make our hearts so right with thy most holy and loving heart,
that hoping in thee we may do good;
until that day when faith and hope
shall be abolished by sight and possession,
and love shall be all in all.
Christina Rossetti (1830-94)