Philippians, 1
The apostle's affection for the Philippians.
[1] Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ: to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. •
[2] Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
[3] I give thanks to my God in every remembrance of you: •
[4] Always in all my prayers making supplication for you all with joy:
[5] For your communication in the gospel of Christ, from the first day unto now. •
[6] Being confident of this very thing: that he who hath begun a good work in you will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus. •
[7] As it is meet for me to think this for you all, for that I have you in my heart; and that, in my bands and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my joy. •
[8] For God is my witness how I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
[9] And this I pray: That your charity may more and more abound in knowledge and in all understanding: •
[10] That you may approve the better things: that you may be sincere and without offence unto the day of Christ:
[11] Filled with the fruit of justice, through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
[12] Now, brethren, I desire you should know that the things which have happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel: •
[13] So that my bands are made manifest in Christ, in all the court and in all other places. •
[14] And many of the brethren in the Lord, growing confident by my bands, are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear. •
[15] Some indeed, even out of envy and contention: but some also for good will preach Christ. •
[16] Some out of charity, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. •
[17] And some out of contention preach Christ not sincerely: supposing that they raise affliction to my bands.
[18] But what then? So that by all means, whether by occasion or by truth, Christ be preached: in this also I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
[19] For I know that this shall fall out to me unto salvation, through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, •
[20] According to my expectation and hope; that in nothing I shall be confounded: but with all confidence, as always, so now also, shall Christ be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death. •
[21] For to me, to live is Christ: and to die is gain. •
[22] And if to live in the flesh: this is to me 1 the fruit of labour. And what I shall choose I know not. •
This is to me: His meaning is, that although his dying immediately for Christ would be his gain, by putting him presently in possession of heaven; yet he is doubtful what he should choose, because by staying longer in the flesh, he should be more beneficial to the souls of his neighbours.
[23] But I am straitened between two: having a desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ, a thing by far the better. •
[24] But to abide still in the flesh is needful for you.
[25] And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith:
[26] That your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus for me, by my coming to you again. •
[27] Only let your conversation be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you, or, being absent, may hear of you, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind labouring together for the faith of the gospel. •
[28] And in nothing be ye terrified by the adversaries: which to them is a cause of perdition, but to you of salvation, and this from God. •
[29] For unto you it is given for Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him:
[30] Having the same conflict as that which you have seen in me and now have heard of me. •