I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.

This is my prayer: that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight.

Most of the brothers and sisters have had more confidence through the Lord to speak the word boldly and bravely because of my jail time.

Some certainly preach Christ with jealous and competitive motives, but others preach with good motives.

They are motivated by love, because they know that I’m put here to give a defense of the gospel;

the others preach Christ because of their selfish ambition. They are insincere, hoping to cause me more pain while I’m in prison.

What do I think about this? Just this: since Christ is proclaimed in every possible way, whether from dishonest or true motives, I’m glad and I’ll continue to be glad.

However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake.

I’m sure of this: I will stay alive and remain with all of you to help your progress and the joy of your faith,

Live worthy of the gospel

Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. Do this, whether I come and see you or I’m absent and hear about you. Do this so that you stand firm, united in one spirit and mind as you struggle together to remain faithful to the gospel.

You are having the same struggle that you saw me face and now hear that I’m still facing.

Carry out your salvation

Therefore, my loved ones, just as you always obey me, not just when I am present but now even more while I am away, carry out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

so that you may be blameless and pure, innocent children of God surrounded by people who are crooked and corrupt. Among these people you shine like stars in the world

though I have good reason to have this kind of confidence. If anyone else has reason to put their confidence in physical advantages, I have even more:

Imitate Paul

Brothers and sisters, become imitators of me and watch those who live this way—you can use us as models.

Their lives end with destruction. Their god is their stomach, and they take pride in their disgrace because their thoughts focus on earthly things.

Stand firm in the Lord

Therefore, my brothers and sisters whom I love and miss, who are my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord. Loved ones,

Yes, and I’m also asking you, loyal friend, to help these women who have struggled together with me in the ministry of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the scroll of life.

I know the experience of being in need and of having more than enough; I have learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance, whether full or hungry or whether having plenty or being poor.

I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.

Still, you have done well to share my distress.

I now have plenty and it is more than enough. I am full to overflowing because I received the gifts that you sent from Epaphroditus. Those gifts give off a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice that pleases God.