which consideration persuades me that I shall abide, and even continue some time with you all, to improve your advancement in the faith, and to promote your joy:

only conduct yourselves in a manner becoming the gospel of Christ, that whether I come to see you, or else am absent, I may have this account of you, that you are stedfastly of the same resolution, and unanimously contend for the faith of the gospel,

and if my blood should serve as a libation to ratify your faith, I should rejoice and congratulate with you all thereupon;