the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the christians that are at Philippi, to the bishops, and to the deacons.

For God is my witness how I yearn over all of you with tender Christian affection.

and so most of the Christian brothers have been exceedingly encouraged by my example to declare God's message without any fear of the consequences.

so that, as Christians, you may have additional reason for glorying about me as the result of my being with you again.

So, [whatever happens], live your daily lives in such a way as to be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or remain absent from you, I will hear about you, that you are standing firm in one spirit [i.e., united in purpose, and] contending with one mind for the faith of the Gospel [i.e., for the body of Christian teaching].

If then there be any christian consolation, any charitable relief, any communion of the spirit, if any tenderness of compassion,

Receive him therefore with heartfelt Christian joy, and hold in honour men like him;

Watch out for the "dogs!" [Note: "Dogs" were viewed with disgust by the ancient Jews (Deut. 23:18; II Kings 8:13; Rev. 22:15), so the term is used here derogatorily for Jewish Christians who were trying to impose on the church the requirements of the law of Moses]. Watch out for the evil workers! Watch out for those who mutilate the body meaninglessly! [Note: Paul here alludes, in a derogatory wordplay, to the Jewish practice of circumcision].

for we [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, set apart for His purpose and] are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory and take pride and exult in Christ Jesus and place no confidence [in what we have or who we are] in the flesh—

So, all of us who are mature [Christians] should think this way. And if you people think differently about anything, God will reveal that to you also.

Wherefore, my dearly beloved brethren, my joy and my crown, whom I long to see, continue firm in your christian profession, my beloved.

I appeal to Euodia and I appeal to Syntyche to agree together, as Christians.

I was very glad, as a Christian, to have your interest in me revive again after so long; for you have always been interested, but you have had no opportunity to show it.

My Christian greetings to every one of God's people. The brethren who are with me send their greetings.