Only, do lead a life that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. Whether I come and see you or only hear of you in absence, let me know you are standing firm in a common spirit, fighting side by side like one man for the faith of the gospel.

so as to be blameless and innocent, faultless children of God in a crooked and perverse generation where you shine like stars in a dark world;

I have no one like him, for genuine interest in your welfare.

But you know how he has stood the test, how he has served with me in the gospel, like a son helping his father.

Give him a welcome in the Lord, then, with your hearts full of joy. Value men like that,

For all those of our number who are mature, this must be the point of view; God will reveal that to any of you who look at things differently.