And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment,

These do so out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;

My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose.

Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel,

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal.

Hold firmly to the message of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing.

because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.

In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained.

Join in imitating me, brothers, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.

For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.