It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart [i.e., you are dear to me], for you people are sharing in God's unearned favor with me [Note: Paul here refers to his ministry], both in my imprisonment and in my defense and confirmation of the Gospel [i.e., in my efforts to give proof of the Gospel's truth].

in this way it has become well known throughout the Imperial Guard and to all the rest here that I am a prisoner in the service of Christ,

the latter, indeed, are doing so from love to me, for they know that I am providentially put here to defend the good news;

These latter out of their love, because they know that I am set here for the defense of the gospel;

But if to keep on living here means fruit from my labor, I cannot tell which to choose.

And yet for your sakes it is very necessary for me to stay on here.

But even if I am poured out like a drink offering [See Ex. 29:38-41] on the sacrifice and service produced by your faith, I am glad and will rejoice with all of you. [Note: Paul here likens the possible pouring out of his blood to the wine and oil of the Old Testament sacrifice, which is then likened to the Philippians' faithful service to God].

For there is no one here like him who will readily demonstrate his deep concern for you.

But I am fully persuaded in [harmony with the wishes of] the Lord that I, myself, also will go to you soon. [Note: Paul here expresses the hope of being released from imprisonment, in spite of previous hints that he might be put to death. See 1:20; 2:17].

for he nearly died in the service of Christ by risking his life to make up for the services you were not here to render me.

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].

Brothers, I do not think that I have captured it yet, but here is my one aspiration, so forgetting what is behind me and reaching out for what is ahead of me,

Give greetings to all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me here send greetings.

and all the saints here salute you, but especially those of Cesar's household.