so that you may have a sense of what is vital, and may be men of transparent character and blameless life, in preparation for the Day of Christ,

Now I want to assure you, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in furthering the preaching of the good news.

But what difference does it make? All that matters is that, in one way or another, from false motives or honest ones, Christ is being made known; I am glad of that. Yes, and I expect to be glad,

for he came near dying for the Lord's work, and risked his life to make up for what was lacking in the service you have done me.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have captured it yet, only, forgetting what is behind me, and straining toward what lies ahead,

Only we must live up to what we have already attained.

Now, brothers, let your minds dwell on what is true, what is worthy, what is right, what is pure, what is amiable, what is kindly??n everything that is excellent or praiseworthy.

You have paid me in full, and more too. I am fully supplied with what I have received from you through Epaphroditus. It is like fragrant incense, just such a sacrifice as God welcomes and approves.