V.1-10 Faithful service for our Lord will not receive honor here. Paul, while he was alive and taught the Word of God, suffered greatly. And it is true to this day. If you wish to be true to the Lord Jesus, to confess His name, to be gathered to His name in heart, to follow His Word, you will not be popular. Paul gladly continued to serve the Lord; he encourages us to do the same.
V.14-17 We are told not to be unequally yoked (joined) together with unbelievers. Neither in marriage nor in any other way, are we to be in this unequal yoke. Many believers are becoming careless about this. God’s Word can’t be flaunted without cost to us later. He calls Himself the Lord Almighty, for He is greater than any who would try to persecute the believer. And He faithfully promises that He will be a Father to His own. Let us be obedient children and then we will be full of courage. When we lack courage it is because we are disobedient.