³ You have now been with your brothers for a long time; till this day you have been doing the orders of the Lord your God.

²³ I am in a hard position between the two, having a desire to go away and be with Christ, which is very much better:

²⁴ Still, to go on in the flesh is more necessary because of you.

²⁵ And being certain of this, I am conscious that I will go on, yes, and go on with you all, for your growth and joy in the faith;

²⁶ So that your pride in me may be increased in Christ Jesus through my being present with you again.

²⁷ Only let your behaviour do credit to the good news of Christ, so that if I come and see you or if I am away from you, I may have news of you that you are strong in one spirit, working together with one soul for the faith of the good news;