But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

For life to me is Christ, and if I die, it would be gain.

Now if I continue living, fruitful labor is the result, so I do not know which I would prefer.

So, I am in a dilemma between the two choices. [On the one hand] I have the desire to depart [from this life] and be with Christ [in heaven], which would be far better.

So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].

For I have no one else with a heart like his who would take such genuine interest in you,

Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have one grief on top of another.

and that I may be found in him, not having my righteousness, which would be on the principle of law, but that which is by faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God through faith,

I would know him in the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, with my nature transformed to die as he died,

Let us therefore, as many as would be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.