[1] Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus;     To all the saints in
Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: [2] Grace
to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord, Jesus Christ. [3] I
thank my God whenever I remember you, [4] always in every request of mine
on behalf of you all making my requests with joy, [5] for your fellowship
in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; [6] being
confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will
complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. [7] It is even right for me to
think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart,
inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the
gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. [8] For God is my witness,
how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus. [9] This
I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all
discernment; [10] so that you may approve the things that are excellent;
that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ; [11]
being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus
Christ, to the glory and praise of God. [12] Now I desire to have you know,
brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to
the progress of the gospel; [13] so that my bonds became revealed in Christ
throughout the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest; [14] and that
most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are
more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. [15] Some
indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good
will. [16] The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely,
thinking that they add affliction to my chains; [17] but the latter out of
love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. [18] What
does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth,
Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. [19] For I
know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and
the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [20] according to my earnest
expectation and hope, that I will in no way be put to shame, but with all
boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether
by life, or by death. [21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
[22] But if to live in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; then
I don`t make known what I will choose. [23] But I am in a dilemma between
the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very
far better. [24] Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
[25] Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain
with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] that your
rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you
again. [27] Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ,
that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state,
that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of
the gospel; [28] and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for
them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
[29] Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to
believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf, [30] having the same
conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.