as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; both in my bonds and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, I say I have you all in my heart as being joint par takers of my grace.

But I wish you to know, brethren, that the things which have befallen me have turned out rather to the advancement of the gospel;

so that my bonds which are for Christ have become known to be such in all the palace, and in all other places;

since you have the same conflict that you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

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

for I have no one of a kindred spirit who will sincerely care for your condition:

And, indeed, he was sick near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

For we are the circumcision, who worship God in spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;

though, indeed, I have a ground of confidence in the flesh. If any other thinks he has a ground of confidence in the flesh, I more;

Yes, verily, I also count all things to be loss, for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, on account of whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them to be refuse, that I may gain Christ,

Not that I have already attained, or have already reached the goal; but I am pressing forward, that I may lay hold on that for which I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I do not conclude that I have already laid hold:

But as far as we have attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us have the same mind.

Be imitators of me, brethren, and observe those who thus walk as you have us for an example.

Do those things which you have learned and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

I do not speak in respect to want: for I have learned, in whatever condition I am, to be content.

I know what it is to be in want, and what it is to have abundance. Everywhere and in all things, I have been fully instructed in being full and in being hungry, in having abundance and in being in want.

Yet you have done well in contributing to the relief of my affliction.

But I have all, and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus your gifts, a sweet odor, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.