It is only natural for me to be thinking of you all in this way, for alike in my prison and as I defend and vindicate the gospel, I bear in mind how you all share with me in the grace divine.

For God is, my witness, how I long for you all in the tender affections of Christ Jesus.

And I pray that your love may grow stronger and stronger, [along] with how much you know, and [that you may grow] in your ability to comprehend things.

But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus to you shortly, that I also may be refreshed, knowing how ye get on.

For I have no one like-minded who will care with genuine feeling how ye get on.

But you know of Timothy’s tested worth and his proven character, that he has served with me to advance the gospel like a son serving with his father.

Therefore, I hope [that it is His will] to send him immediately, just as soon as I see how my case turns out;

Therefore, those of us who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will show you how to think.

Therefore, my dear brothers whom I long for, my joy and my victor's crown, this is how you must stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.

I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.