And, this, I pray - that, your love, may be, yet more and more, pre-eminent in personal knowledge and all perception,

that ye may judge of and approve the things that are more excellent, in order that ye may be pure and without offence for Christ's day,

But I want you to know, brothers, that the things in respect to me have come more for the advancement of the good-news,

And so that , the most of the brethren in the Lord, assured by my bonds, are becoming more abundantly bold to be fearlessly speaking the word of God: -

The one part preacheth Christ of strife, and not purely, supposing to add more adversity to my bonds.

but the former preach Christ [insincerely] out of selfish ambition [just self-promotion], thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment.

What difference then does it make? In one way or another, whether in pretense or in sincerity, Christ is being preached, and that is the thing that makes me glad; yes, more too, I will continue to be glad of it,

For I know that this shall be turned to me for salvation by your prayer, and the furnishing more of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

But if [continuing] to live in my body means accomplishing more work [for Christ], then I do not know which to choose.

But, to abide still in the flesh, is more needful for your sake;

In order that, your matter of boasting, may be more abundant in Christ Jesus, regarding me, through my own presence again with you.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

More than this, after he had shone himself in human form, he humbled himself in his obedience even to death; yes, and to death on a cross.

So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].

for there is no one that is so dear to me as he, and no one will more sincerely interest himself in your concerns.

So I hope to send him as soon as I know more about my situation,

So I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.

though I myself might have [some grounds for] confidence in the flesh [if I were pursuing salvation by works]. If anyone else thinks that he has reason to be confident in the flesh [that is, in his own efforts to achieve salvation], I have far more:

But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ,

And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did];

Moreover, I greatly rejoiced in the Lord that now once more your care for me blossomed afresh; though indeed you did take thought in this matter, but you lacked the opportunity of expression.

I know what it is even to be kept low, and I know what it is to have more than enough, - in every way, and in all things, have I been let into the secret - both to be well fed, and to be hungering, both to have more than enough, and to be coming short:

for you sent more than once to Thessalonica to supply my occasions.

But I have received everything in full and more; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. They are the fragrant aroma of an offering, an acceptable sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights.

Unto God and our father be praise forever more. Amen.

All God's people wish to be remembered to you, but more especially the members of the Emperor's household.