Philippians 2:12-29

New King James Version

Light Bearers

¹² Therefore, my beloved, ^(A)as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, ^(B)work out your own salvation with ^(C)fear and trembling; ¹³ for ^(D)it is God who works in you both to will and to do ^(E)for His good pleasure.

¹⁴ Do all things ^(F)without ^[a]complaining and ^(G)disputing,^{[b] 15} that you may become blameless and ^[c]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as ^(H)lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast the word of life, so that ^(I)I may rejoice in the day of Christ that ^(J)I have not run in vain or labored in ^(K)vain.

¹⁷ Yes, and if ^(L)I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice ^(M)and service of your faith, ^(N)I am glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy Commended

¹⁹ But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send ^(O)Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your ^[d]state. ²⁰ For I have no one ^(P)like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. ²¹ For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. ²² But you know his proven character, ^(Q)that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. ²³ Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. ²⁴ But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Epaphroditus Praised

²⁵ Yet I considered it necessary to send to you ^(R)Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and ^(S)fellow soldier, ^(T)but your messenger and ^(U)the one who ministered to my need; ^26 (V)since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. ²⁷ For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. ²⁹ Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;