It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains.

The former spread the news of the Christ in a factious spirit, and not sincerely, thinking to add to the pain of my chains.

For, on behalf of Christ, you have had the privilege granted you, not only of trusting in him, but also of suffering on his behalf.

And one and all should consider, not only their own interests, but also the interests of others.

Though the divine nature was his from the beginning, yet he did not look upon equality with God as above all things to be clung to,

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always been obedient in the past, so now work out your own Salvation with anxious care, not only when I am with you, but all the more now that I am absent.

Offering to men the Message of Life; and then I shall be able at the Day of Christ to boast that I did not run my course for nothing, or toil for nothing.

They are all pursuing their own aims and not those of Christ Jesus.

Still I think it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you now, for he is my brother, fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, and he was also your messenger to help me in my need.

And I can assure you that his illness very nearly proved fatal. But God had pity on him, and not on him only but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

In conclusion, my Brothers, all joy be yours in your union with the Lord. To repeat what I have already written does not weary me, and is the safe course for you.

For it is we who are the circumcised--we whose worship is prompted by the Spirit of God, who exult in Christ Jesus, and who do not rely upon external privileges;

Any righteousness that I have being, not the righteousness that results from Law, but the righteousness which comes through faith in Christ--the righteousness which is derived from God and is founded on faith.

Not that I have already laid hold of it, or that I am already made perfect. But I press on, in the hope of actually laying hold of that for which indeed I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

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,

Do not be anxious about anything; but under all circumstances, by prayer and entreaty joined with thanksgiving, make your needs known to God.

It was a matter of great joy to me, as one in union with the Lord, that at length your interest in me had revived. The interest indeed you had, but not the opportunity.

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.

It is not that I am anxious for your gifts, but I am anxious to see the abundant return that will be placed to your account. I have enough of everything, and to spare.

And my God, out of the greatness of his wealth, will, in glory, fully satisfy your every need, through your union with Christ Jesus.