But the things that were winning unto me I counted loss for Christe's sake. Yee I think all things but loss for that excellent knowledge's sake of Christ Iesu my lord. For whom I have counted all thing loss, and do judge them but dung, that I might win Christ, and might be found in him, not having mine own righteousness which is of the law: But that which springeth of the faith which is in Christ. I mean the righteousness which cometh of God thorow faith in knowing him, and the virtue of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his passions, that I might be conformable unto his death, if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection from death.
Not as though I had all ready received it, either were all ready perfect: but I follow, if that I may comprehend that, wherein I am comprehended of Christ Iesu. Brethren I count not myself that I have gotten it: but one thing I say: I forget that which is behind me, and stretch myself unto that which is before me and press unto that mark appointed, to obtain the reward of the high calling of God in Christ Iesu. Let us therefore as many as be perfect be thus wise minded: and if ye be other wise minded, I pray God open even this unto you. Nevertheless in that whereunto we are come, let us proceed by one rule, that we may be of one accord.
Brethren be followers of me, and look on them which walk even so, as ye have us for an ensample. For many walk (of whom I have told you often, and now tell you weeping) that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is damnation, whose God is their belly and glory to their shame, which are worldly minded. But our conversation is in heaven, from whence we look for the saviour Iesus Christ, which shall change into another fashion our vile bodies, that they may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself.
The .iiij. Chapter.
Herefore brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so continue beloved in the lord. I pray Euodias, and beseech Sintiches that they be of one accord in the lord. Yee and I beseech thee faithful yokefellow, help the women which laboured with me in the gospell, and with Clement also, and with other my labourfellows, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the lord alway, and again I say rejoice. Let your softness be known unto all men. The lord is even at hand. Be not carefull: but in all things shew your petition unto God in prayer and supplication with giving of thanks. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding keep your hearts, and minds in Christ Iesu.
Furthermore brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things pertain to love, whatsoever things are of honest report, if there be any virtuous thing, if there be any laudable thing, those same have ye in your mind, which ye have both learned and received, heard and also seen in me: those things do, and the God of peace shall be with you. I rejoice in the lord greatly, that now at the last ye are revived, and are waxed mindfull of me again in that wherein ye were also mindfull, but ye lacked opportunity. I speak not because of necessity. For I have learned in whatsoever estate I am, therewith to be content. I can both cast down myself, I can also exceed. Everywhere, and in all things I am instructed, both to be full, and to be hungry: to have plenty, and to suffer need. I can do all things thorow the help of Christ, which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye bare part with me in my tribulation.
Ye of Philippos know that in the beginning of the gospell, when I departed from Macedonia, no congregation bare part with me as concerning giving and receiving but ye only. For when I was in Thessalonica, ye sent once, and afterward again, unto my needs: not that I desire gifts: but I desire abundant fruit on your part. I received all, and have plenty. I was even filled after that I had received of Epaphroditus, that which came from you, an odor that smelleth sweet, a sacrifice accepted and pleasant to God. My God fulfil all your needs thorow his glorious riches in Iesu Christ.
Unto God and our father be praise for ever more Amen. Salute all the saints in Christ Iesu. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you: and most of all they which are of the emperors household. The grace of our lord Iesu Christ be with you all Amen.
Sent from Rome by Epaphroditus.