For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.

and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have been encouraged to speak the word of God without fear.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

I have no one else like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.

Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may have less anxiety.

though I myself have reasons for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:

More than that, I count everything to be loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

Not that I have already obtained this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Brethren, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

Let those of us who are mature have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you.

Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who live according to the pattern you have in us.

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Yes, and I ask you also, true yoke-fellow, to help these women who have struggled at my side in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you had no opportunity.

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

I know how to be in need, and I also know how to have plenty; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and want.

I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.