The apostle had dwelt especially upon practical godliness, and the character of that holiness which must be gained in order to make sure of the kingdom of Heaven. He wished the light of the gospel of Christ to pierce the darkness of their minds, that they might discern how offensive their immoral practices were in the sight of God. Therefore the burden of Paul’s preaching among them had been Christ, and him crucified. He wished them to understand that the theme for their most earnest study, and greatest joy, should be the grand truth of salvation through repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. {LP 124.3}

Apostlen dvælede særlig ved praktisk gudsfrygt, og karakteren af den hellighed som må opnås for at sikre sig himmeriget. Han ønskede at lyset fra Kristi evangelium skulle gennembore mørket i deres sind, så de kan se hvor anstødelig deres udødelige praksis var i Guds øjne. Derfor var byrden i Pauli forkyndelse iblandt dem nemlig Kristus, og ham korsfæstet. Han ønskede at de skulle forstå temaet i deres alvorligste studium, og største glæde, at det var den store frelsessandhed gennem anger imod Gud, og troen på vor Herre Jesus Kristus.