it is true, there are some who preach Christ out of a spirit of envy and contention; but others do it out of pure affection.

the others act from affection, as knowing that I suffer for having defended the gospel.

Do nothing out of a spirit of contention, or for vain-glory, but modestly look upon others as if they were better than yourselves.

let no man consult only his private interest, but let every man consult likewise the interest of others.

for we are the genuine sons of Abraham, who worship God in the spiritual manner, and value no other dependance than that on Jesus Christ, without confiding in any external advantages:

which I might do more justly than any other man can pretend to:

yea, I intreat thee too, my faithful collegue, to assist them both, for they assisted me in the gospel, as well as Clement, and my other collegues, whose names are in the book of life.

and you yourselves know, O Philippians, that when I first preach'd the gospel, at my departure from Macedonia, I receiv'd no manner of assistance from any other church but yours;