1:1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons.
1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,
1:4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer,
1:5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
1:6 I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
1:7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel.
1:8 For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
1:9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment,
1:10 so that you can approve the things that are superior and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ,
1:11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advance of the gospel,
1:13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is in the cause of Christ.
1:14 Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly.
1:15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and strife, but others out of good will.
1:16 These do so out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;
1:17 the others proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, seeking to cause me anxiety in my imprisonment.
1:18 What does it matter? Just that in every way, whether out of false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice
1:19 because I know this will lead to my deliverance through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
1:20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
1:22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don't know which one I should choose.
1:23 I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ--which is far better--
1:24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.
1:25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
1:26 so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.
1:27 Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel,
1:28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance--and this is from God.
1:29 For it has been given to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,
1:30 having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.
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