So it is right for me to take thought for you all in this way, because I have you in my heart; for in my chains, and in my arguments before the judges in support of the good news, making clear that it is true, you all have your part with me in grace.

for God is my witness, that I love you with a christian tenderness.

And, this, I pray - that, your love, may be, yet more and more, pre-eminent in personal knowledge and all perception,

To the end ye may be putting to the test the things that differ, in order that ye may be incorrupt and may give no occasion of stumbling, unto the day of Christ,

Filled with that fruit of righteousness which is through Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God.

Howbeit, I am minded, brethren, that ye should be, getting to know, that, the things which relate unto myself, rather, unto an advancement of the glad-message, have fallen out,

So that, my bonds, have become manifest in Christ, in the whole palace, and unto all the rest, -

And so that , the most of the brethren in the Lord, assured by my bonds, are becoming more abundantly bold to be fearlessly speaking the word of God: -

Some, it is true, are [actually] preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry [toward me—for no better reason than a competitive spirit or misguided ambition], but others out of goodwill and a loyal spirit [toward me].

These, indeed, out of love, knowing that, for the defence of the glad-message, I am set;

But some from love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the good-news.

What then? That, in any way, whether in pretext, or in truth, Christ, is declared, and, in this, I rejoice - yea, and will rejoice!

For I know that, this, shall turn unto me for salvation - through your supplication, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, -

According to my eager outlook and hope, that, in nothing, shall I be put to shame, but, with all freedom of speech, as always, now also, shall Christ be magnified in my body, whether through means of life, or of death.

If, however, it is to be life here and I am to go on living, this will mean useful and productive service for me; so I do not know which to choose [if I am given that choice].

But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better;

but for your sakes it is more necessary that I should still live on in the body.

And, of, this, being assured, know that I shall abide, - yea abide with you all, for your advancement, and the joy of your faith;

In order that, your matter of boasting, may be more abundant in Christ Jesus, regarding me, through my own presence again with you.

Only, in a manner worthy of the glad-message of the Christ, be using your citizenship; in order that - whether coming and seeing you, or being absent, I may hear of the things which concern you - that ye are standing fast in one spirit, with one soul, joining for the combat along with the faith of the glad-message;

And in no way be alarmed or intimidated [in anything] by your opponents, for such [constancy and fearlessness on your part] is a [clear] sign [a proof and a seal] for them of [their impending] destruction, but [a clear sign] for you of deliverance and salvation, and that too, from God.

for it is a favour bestowed upon you, that you not only believe on Christ, but suffer also for his sake,

while you wage the same conflict which you once saw in me, and now hear that I maintain.

Fill ye up my joy - that, the same thing, ye esteem, the same love, possessing, joined in soul, the one thing, esteeming, -

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

and that no man consider his own, but what is mete for others.

Indeed have this way to think in you, that also was in Christ Jesus,

To whom, though himself in the form of God, it did not seem that to take for oneself was to be like God;

but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man].

More than this, after he had shone himself in human form, he humbled himself in his obedience even to death; yes, and to death on a cross.

For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.

So that, my beloved, as ye always obey, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, with fear and trembling your own salvation work out,

for it is God that influences your desires and endeavours, out of his benevolence to you.

In all that you do, avoid grumbling and disputing,

so that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness],

holding out and offering to everyone the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to rejoice greatly because I did not run [my race] in vain nor labor without result.

and you too should be glad and congratulate me upon that account.

But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may also be encouraged by learning news about you.

For, no one, have I, of equal soul, who, genuinely, as to the things that concern you, will be anxious;

For all others seek their own, and not that which is Jesus Christ's.

But, of the proof of him, be taking note, - that, as child, with father, with me, hath he done service for the glad-message;

Him, indeed, therefore, am I hoping to send - as soon as I can look off from the things that concern myself, - forthwith.

and I trust [confidently] in the Lord that soon I also will be coming to you.

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

For he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.

For also he was sick, near death, but God was merciful to him, and not only him, but also me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.

So I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and honourably treat those that are such:

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].

Finally, my fellow believers, continue to rejoice and delight in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you.

Beware of those that are like dogs, beware of evil doers, beware of the concision.

for we are the genuine sons of Abraham, who worship God in the spiritual manner, and value no other dependance than that on Jesus Christ, without confiding in any external advantages:

though I myself might have [some grounds for] confidence in the flesh [if I were pursuing salvation by works]. If anyone else thinks that he has reason to be confident in the flesh [that is, in his own efforts to achieve salvation], I have far more:

Regarding zeal, persecuting the assembly, regarding the righteousness that is in law, having become blameless.

But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life].

But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ,

and may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from [my obedience to] the Law and its rituals, but [possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.

And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did];

so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

and press unto that mark appointed, to obtain the reward of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you.

Only let us stay true to what we have already attained.

Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample.

For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

who in the. end will be ruin'd, who place their religion in sensuality, their glory in that which is their shame, and fix their thoughts upon this earth.

But commonwealth is in heaven; and it is from heaven also that we are anxiously awaiting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,

who, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself, will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] our earthly bodies so that they will be like His glorious resurrected body.

So that, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, thus stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

Yes, and I ask you, my true comrade, to help them, remembering that they toiled by my side in spreading the Good News; and so, too, did Clement and my other fellow-workers, whose names are 'in the Book of Life.'

And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

Finally, my brethren, whatever has the character of truth, of dignity, of justice, of chastity, whatever can procure you esteem and reputation, in a word, if there be any thing virtuous or praise-worthy, let that be the object of your enquiry.

the things that also ye did learn, and receive, and hear, and saw in me, those do, and the God of the peace shall be with you.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned about me before, but you had no opportunity to show it.

Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.

I know what it is even to be kept low, and I know what it is to have more than enough, - in every way, and in all things, have I been let into the secret - both to be well fed, and to be hungering, both to have more than enough, and to be coming short:

I have might, for all things, in him that empowereth me.

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

And you Philippians know that in the early days of preaching the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone;

That, even in Thessalonica, both once and again, unto my need, ye sent: -

Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you].

But I have received everything in full and more; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. They are the fragrant aroma of an offering, an acceptable sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights.

Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren that are with me salute you.

All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

Unto the holy and faithful brethren in Christ that are, in Colosse, favour unto you, and peace, from our God and Father.

having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love that is to all the saints,

Because of the hope that is lying by for you in the heavens, of which ye heard before, in the word of the truth of the glad-message,

which has come to you. Indeed, just as in the whole world the gospel is constantly bearing fruit and spreading [by God’s power], just as it has been doing among you ever since the day you first heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth [becoming thoroughly and deeply acquainted with it].

You got that lesson from our beloved fellow-servant Epaphras, a minister of Christ who is faithful to your interests;

For this reason, since the day we heard about it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking [specifically] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things],

so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts];

[we pray that you may be] strengthened and invigorated with all power, according to His glorious might, to attain every kind of endurance and patience with joy;

I ask that you may give thanks to the Father who has made us fit to receive our share of the heritage of the saints in the light.

It is by him, that we have obtain'd the redemption, even the remission of our sins:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn One [i.e., who takes preeminence] over all that is created.

For by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him.