This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;

but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.

according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don't know what I will choose.

Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News;

If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion,

make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;

holding up the word of life; that I may have something to boast in the day of Christ, that I didn't run in vain nor labor in vain.

because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

Yes, I beg you also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.