For, as I see it, living means Christ and dying something even better.

Whatever happens, show yourselves citizens worthy of the good news of the Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am kept away and only hear news of you, I may know that you are standing firm with one spirit, one purpose, fighting side by side for faith in the good news.

Take your part in the same struggle that you have seen me engage in and that you hear I am still keeping up.

So I hope to send him to you just as soon as I can see how my case is going to turn out.

For he has been longing to see you all, and has been greatly distressed because you heard that he was sick.

Not that I have secured it yet, or already reached perfection, but I am pressing on to see if I can capture it, because I have been captured by Jesus Christ.

So, my dear brothers whom I so long to see, my joy and pride, stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

Let all men see your forbearing spirit. The Lord is coming soon.