I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel.

And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment,

What does it matter? Just that in every way, whether out of false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice

because I know this will lead to my deliverance through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose.

Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance—and this is from God.

For this reason God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name
that is above every name,

For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice when you see him again and I may be less anxious.

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a protection for you.

Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you.

So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown. In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.