But I hope in [harmony with the wishes of] the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I could be encouraged when I learn of your situation [i.e., when Timothy returns with news from Philippi].

since it was because of the work of Christ that he almost died. He risked his life so that he could make up for your inability to serve me.

although I could have confidence in the flesh. If anyone thinks he can place confidence in the flesh, I have more reason to think so.

as to my zeal, I was a persecutor of the church; and by the Law's standard of uprightness, no fault could be found with me.

Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do , forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,

You should let your gentleness be known to all people. The Lord is near. [Note: This "nearness" could refer to Christ's second coming or to His nearness to His people in a spiritual sense].

It was a great joy to me in the Lord that your care for me could revive again; for what you lacked was never the care but the chance of showing it.