For of this I am confident, that he who began a good work in you will complete it in readiness for the Day of Jesus Christ.

And what I pray for is this--that your love may grow yet stronger and stronger, with increasing knowledge and all discernment,

And besides this, most of our Brothers have gained confidence in the Lord through my chains, and now venture with far greater freedom to speak of God's Message fearlessly.

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that, through your prayers and through a rich supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 'all this will make for my Salvation.'

And this will fulfil my earnest expectation and hope that I shall have no cause for shame, but that, with unfailing courage, now as hitherto, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by my life or by my death,

But what if the life here in the body--if this brings me fruit from my labors? Then which to choose I cannot tell! I am sorely perplexed either way!

My own desire is to depart and be with Christ, for this would be far better.

Yes, I am confident that this is so, and therefore I am sure that I shall stay, and stay near you all, to promote your progress and joy in the Faith;

Without ever shrinking from your opponents. To them this will be a sign of their Destruction and of your Salvation--a sign from God.

For I, Brothers, do not regard myself as having yet laid hold of it. But this one thing I do--forgetting what lies behind, and straining every nerve for that which lies in front,

Who, by the exercise of his power to bring everything into subjection to himself, will make this body that we have in our humiliation like to that body which he has in his Glory.

Do not think that I am saying this under the pressure of want. For I, however I am placed, have learned to be independent of circumstances.