3I thank my God every time I think of you, 4In every prayer for you I make my requests with joy, 5Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6Being confident of this: that He Who has begun a good work in you will continue it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7It is right for me to feel this way about you, because I have you in my heart, whether I am in chains, or defending and confirming the gospel, you are all sharing with me in God’s grace. 8For God is my witness, how much I long for all of you in the tender mercies of Jesus Christ. 9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge, and depth of insight; 10That you may be able to discern the best things; that you may be sincere and without blame until the day of Christ, 11Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

12But I want you to understand, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to further of the gospel, 13So that my bonds (chains) are in plain evidence throughout the whole palace guard for Christ, visible to everyone; 14And because of my chains, many brothers and sisters have gained confidence in the Lord, and are much more bold to proclaim the gospel without fear. 15It is true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16The latter are true brothers and sisters in the Lord, who preach Christ out of love, for they know I have been appointed to defend and proclaim the Good News; 17But those others do not have pure motives for preaching about Christ. They do not preach with sincerity, but out of selfish ambition, hoping to make my chains more painful to me. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false or pure motives, Christ is preached; and for this I do rejoice. Yes, and will continue to rejoice.

19For I know that through your prayers, and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this shall all turn to my deliverance. 20It is my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall never be ashamed, but have enough courage, so that now, as always, Christ shall be exalted in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22But if I am to continue to live in this body, then it shall be the fruit of my labor. Yet which I would choose, I do not know. 23For I am torn between the two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better; 24And yet, to continue to live is of more benefit to you. 25And knowing this, I am convinced that I shall remain alive and continue to help you all grow and experience the joy of your faith, 26That your rejoicing may be greater in Jesus Christ because of my coming again to see you.

27Whatever happens, live your lives as becomes the gospel of Christ, that I may hear of your standing firm and united in one Spirit, with one mind, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel; 28And do not be intimidated by your adversaries; which should be evidence to them of their coming destruction, but of your of salvation - and that by God. 29For you have been granted the privilege of not only believing in Christ, but to also suffer for His sake, 30As you go through the same struggles and afflictions that you saw that I had, and that I still have.