spoke of the divine “work in you” (enarxamenos en humin) which has been observed and noted and which can be trusted to continue to the very end. For this same reason, the crescendo of Paul’s exposition can take the form of saying “stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved” (4:1). That they are told to “stand firm” is no surprise, for enduring action has been a constant theme. And that they are called the “beloved” of Paul, indeed, “my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,”