I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].

even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.

For God beareth me record how greatly I long after you all from the very heart-root in Jesus Christ.

filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God [so that His glory may be both revealed and recognized].

These latter do it from love for me, for they know that God has put me where I am to defend our right to preach the good news.

What is it then? at any rate, in every way, whether in pretext or in truth, Christ is announced; and in this I rejoice, yea, also I will rejoice;

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

although I myself might have some excuse for confidence in outward ceremonies. If any one else claims a right to trust in them, far more may I:

as to my zeal [for Jewish tradition], a persecutor of the church; and as to righteousness [supposed right living] which [my fellow Jews believe] is in the Law, I proved myself blameless.

and may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from [my obedience to] the Law and its rituals, but [possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.

Finally, brothers, whatever [things] are true, whatever [things are] honorable, whatever [things are] right, whatever [things are] pure, whatever [things are] pleasing, whatever [things are] commendable, if [there is] any excellence of character and if anything praiseworthy, think about these [things].

Nevertheless, it was right of you to share [with me] in my difficulties.