1. What hints are there in this passage of what Paul’s feelings were at the time that he wrote this? What feelings do these truths arouse in you?

2. Paul regards himself as a ‘prisoner of Christ Jesus’ for the sake of others (verse 1). What would we be willing to do, or to give up, for the sake of those we seek to serve?

3. Why did Paul regard himself as ‘less than the least of all God’s people’ (verse 8)? How then can he speak with such confidence about his ministry? In view of this, how do we regard ourselves and our own spiritual gifts and ministries?

4. Glancing back at chapters 1 and 2, what do you think Paul means by ‘the unsearchable riches of Christ’ (verse 8)? And in what ways might we proclaim these to others?

5. Would you say that you pray with ‘freedom and confidence’ (verse 12)? What reasons can we find in this passage for encouraging one another to do so?

6. We often seem to be able to find a lot that is wrong with the church. In the light of this passage, what is right with the church?