circumcised when I was a week old; a descendant of Israel; a member of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew, a son of Hebrews. Measured by the law, I was a Pharisee;

Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you before long, so that I may be of good comfort when I learn the news concerning you.

I long to know him in the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, by sharing the likeness of his death;

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

I am hesitating between two desires, for I long to depart and to be with Christ, for that is far, far better,

So, my dearly loved brothers, whom I long to see, my joy and crown, by the help of the Lord keep on standing firm, dearly loved friends.

I was made very happy as a Christian to have your interest in my welfare revived again after so long; because you have always had the interest but not the opportunity to show it.