Twenty - Philippians - 1

1:1  To all Christ's People at Philippi, with the Presiding Officers and Assistants, from Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus.

1:2  May God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ bless you, and give you peace.

1:3  Every recollection that I have of you is a cause of thankfulness to God,

1:4  Always, in every prayer that I offer for you all--my prayers are full of joy--

1:5  Because of the share that you have had in spreading the Good News, from the first day that you received it until now.

1:6  For of this I am confident, that he who began a good work in you will complete it in readiness for the Day of Jesus Christ.

1:7  And, indeed, I am justified in feeling thus about you all; because you have a warm place in my heart--you who all, both in my imprisonment and in the work of defending and establishing the Good News, shared my privilege with me.

1:8  God will bear me witness how I yearn over you all with the tenderness of Christ Jesus.

1:9  And what I pray for is this--that your love may grow yet stronger and stronger, with increasing knowledge and all discernment,

1:10  Until you are able to appreciate all moral distinctions. And I pray, too, that you may be kept pure and blameless against the Day of Christ,

1:11  Bearing a rich harvest of that righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

1:12  Brothers, I want you to realize that what has happened to me has actually served to forward the Good News.

1:13  It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains.

1:14  And besides this, most of our Brothers have gained confidence in the Lord through my chains, and now venture with far greater freedom to speak of God's Message fearlessly.

1:15  It is true that some do proclaim the Christ out of Jealousy and opposition; but there are others who proclaim him from good- will.

1:16  The latter do it from love for me, knowing that I have been appointed to plead the cause of the Good News.

1:17  The former spread the news of the Christ in a factious spirit, and not sincerely, thinking to add to the pain of my chains.

1:18  But what of that? Only that in some way or other, either with assumed or with real earnestness, Christ is being made known; and at that I rejoice.

1:19  Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that, through your prayers and through a rich supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 'all this will make for my Salvation.'

1:20  And this will fulfil my earnest expectation and hope that I shall have no cause for shame, but that, with unfailing courage, now as hitherto, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by my life or by my death,

1:21  For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.

1:22  But what if the life here in the body--if this brings me fruit from my labors? Then which to choose I cannot tell! I am sorely perplexed either way!

1:23  My own desire is to depart and be with Christ, for this would be far better.

1:24  But, for your sakes, it may be more needful that I should still remain here in the body.

1:25  Yes, I am confident that this is so, and therefore I am sure that I shall stay, and stay near you all, to promote your progress and joy in the Faith;

1:26  So that, when you once more have me among you, you, in your union with Christ Jesus, may find in me fresh cause for exultation.

1:27  Under all circumstances let your lives be worthy of the Good News of the Christ. so that, whether I come and see you, or whether I hear of your affairs at a distance, I may know that you are standing firm, animated by one spirit, and joining with one heart in a common struggle for the Faith taught by the Good News,

1:28  Without ever shrinking from your opponents. To them this will be a sign of their Destruction and of your Salvation--a sign from God.

1:29  For, on behalf of Christ, you have had the privilege granted you, not only of trusting in him, but also of suffering on his behalf.

1:30  You will be engaged in the same hard struggle as that which you once saw me waging, and which you hear that I am waging still.