Paul was clearly interested in doctrine put into practice (v. 27). Only with both can we ‘stand fast’ – in one spirit, one mind, one faith, and one gospel (v. 28a). We are called to fear God alone. The absence of the fear of man is a proof of the perdition of his enemies, and thus ours (v. 29). It is also a proof of our salvation, “and that from God.” (v. 28b) We are called to this kind of suffering, which has been ‘granted’ to us (v. 29). It is the same conflict Paul had, and that all the true saints share (v. 30).