[This letter is from] Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, [and is being sent] to all the saints [i.e., God's holy people] who are at Philippi [Note: This is a town in present-day northeastern Greece, and the first place in Europe where Paul established Christianity], along with the overseers [Note: These men were also called elders, shepherds or pastors] and deacons.

On account of your contribution unto the glad-message, from the first day until the present:

So that your pride in me may be increased in Christ Jesus through my being present with you again.

So then, my loved ones, as you have at all times done what I say, not only when I am present, but now much more when I am not with you, give yourselves to working out your salvation with fear in your hearts;

being engag'd in the same conflict, in which you saw I was formerly, and hear that I am at present engag'd.

not that I desire a present; but what I desire is, that the fruits of your liberality may greatly redound to your own account.