Paul's Letter to the Philippians

[1:1] Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ;

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the [overseers] and [servants]: [1:2] Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. [1:3] I thank my God whenever I remember you, [1:4] always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy, [1:5] for your [partnership] in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; [1:6] being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. [1:7] It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace. [1:8] For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

[1:9] This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; [1:10] so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ; [1:11] being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

[1:12] Now I desire to have you know, [brothers,] that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News; [1:13] so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ; [1:14] 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. [1:15] Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will. [1:16] The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains; [1:17] but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.

[1:18] 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. [1:19] For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [1:20] according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. [1:21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [1:22] But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don't make known what I will choose. [1:23] But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. [1:24] Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake. [1:25] Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, [1:26] that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.