What difference then does it make? In one way or another, whether in pretense or in sincerity, Christ is being preached, and that is the thing that makes me glad; yes, more too, I will continue to be glad of it,

Stop looking after your own interests only but practice looking out for the interests of others too.

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

you too must do likewise, be glad of it, and congratulate me.

I hope, with the approval of the Lord Jesus, soon to send Timothy to you, so that I too may be cheered on getting the news about you.

For he was so sick that he was on the point of dying, but God took pity on him, and not only on him but on me too, to keep me from having one sorrow after another.

though I too might rely on these. If anyone thinks that he can rely on outward privileges, far more might I do so:

I have received your payment in full, and more too. I am amply supplied after getting the things you sent by Epaphroditus; they are like sweet incense, the kind of sacrifice that God accepts and approves.