for it is God who works in you both the willing and the working according to his good pleasure.

who shall transform our body of humiliation into conformity to his body of glory, according to the working of the power which he has even to subdue all things to himself.

Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel,

So, then, my beloved - even as ye have always obeyed, not asin my presence only, but, now, much more, in my absence, with fear and trembling, your own salvation, be working out;

And because I am convinced of this, I know that I shall live, and go on working side by side with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,

But you know his qualifications, that like a son working with his father, he served with me in advancing the gospel.

because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me [which distance prevented you from rendering personally].