so that you may learn to recognize and treasure what is excellent [identifying the best, and distinguishing moral differences], and that you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ [actually living lives that lead others away from sin];

in order for my bonds in Christ to became apparent in the whole Praetorium, and in all the others.

Some, it is true, are [actually] preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry [toward me—for no better reason than a competitive spirit or misguided ambition], but others out of goodwill and a loyal spirit [toward me].

But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

But what of that? Only that in some way or other, either with assumed or with real earnestness, Christ is being made known; and at that I rejoice.

Yet [on the other hand], to remain in my body is more necessary for your sakes.

fulfil my joy, that you have the same mind, having the same love, sympathizing with each other, having one opinion.

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.

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

but He laid it aside as He took on the nature of a slave and became like other men.

This is why God has highly exalted Him, and given Him the name that is above every other name,

For I have no other like him with a genuine concern for your welfare,

For the others [who deserted me after my arrest] all seek [to advance] their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

for we are the genuine sons of Abraham, who worship God in the spiritual manner, and value no other dependance than that on Jesus Christ, without confiding in any external advantages:

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:

Let us all then, who are mature Christians, strive for this! God will make this clear to any of you who are striving for other goals;

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

and you yourselves know, O Philippians, that when I first preach'd the gospel, at my departure from Macedonia, I receiv'd no manner of assistance from any other church but yours;