having been filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus the Messiah so that God will be glorified and praised.

The latter are motivated by love, because they know that I have been appointed to defend the gospel.

For you have been given the privilege for the Messiah's sake not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him.

For he has been longing for all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick.

Having been circumcised on the eighth day, I am of the nation of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. As far as the Law is concerned, I was a Pharisee.

It's not that I have already reached this goal or have already become perfect. But I keep pursuing it, hoping somehow to embrace it just as I have been embraced by the Messiah Jesus.

I have been paid in full and have more than enough. I am fully supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus what you sent a fragrant aroma, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.