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

but if to live in flesh is my lot, this is for me worth the while: and what I shall choose I cannot tell.

Indeed, I cannot decide between the two. I have the desire to leave this life and be with the Messiah, for that is far better.

maintaining, as you do, the same kind of conflict that you once saw in me and which you still hear that I am engaged in.

For I have no one of a like spirit, who will with a kind of natural affection take care of your affairs.

for he was upon the brink of death for the service of Christ, having expos'd his life to the greatest dangers, to perform those kind offices, which you could not do yourselves.

But all the things which I once held to be gains I have now, for the Christ's sake, come to count as loss.

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

Nevertheless, it was kind of you to share my troubles.

I have received your payment in full, and more too. I am amply supplied after getting the things you sent by Epaphroditus; they are like sweet incense, the kind of sacrifice that God accepts and approves.