Philippians 1:19-2:11

New International Version

¹⁹for I know that through your prayers^(A) and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ^(B) what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.^[a]^(C) ²⁰I eagerly expect^(D) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage^(E) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,^(F) whether by life or by death.^(G) ²¹For to me, to live is Christ^(H) and to die is gain. ²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart^(I) and be with Christ,^(J) which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy^(K) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm^(L) in the one Spirit,^[b] striving together^(M) as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you^(N) on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer^(O) for him, ³⁰since you are going through the same struggle^(P) you saw^(Q) I had, and now hear^(R) that I still have.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,^(S) if any tenderness and compassion,^(T) ²then make my joy complete^(U) by being like-minded,^(V) having the same love, being one^(W) in spirit and of one mind. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.^(X) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,^(Y) ⁴not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.^(Z)

⁵In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:^(AA)

⁶Who, being in very nature^[c] God,^(AB)
    did not consider equality with God^(AC) something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷rather, he made himself nothing^(AD)
    by taking the very nature^[d] of a servant,^(AE)
    being made in human likeness.^(AF)
⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death^(AG)—
        even death on a cross!^(AH)

⁹Therefore God exalted him^(AI) to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,^(AJ)
¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,^(AK)
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,^(AL)
¹¹and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,^(AM)
    to the glory of God the Father.