Philippians 1
1 Ref Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers{The word translated "overseers" (episkopos) can also be translated superintendents, guardians, curators, or bishops.} and deacons{Or, servants}:
2 Ref Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Ref I thank my God whenever I remember you,
4 Ref always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy,
5 Ref for your partnership{The word translated "partnership" (koinonia) also means "fellowship" and "sharing."} in furtherance of the Gospel from the first day until now;
6 Ref being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
7 Ref 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 Gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
8 Ref For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
9 Ref This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
10 Ref so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ;
11 Ref being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12 Ref Now I desire to have you know, brothers,{The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."} that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Gospel;
13 Ref so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;
14 Ref 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.
15 Ref Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
16 Ref The former insincerly preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
17 Ref but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Gospel.
18 Ref 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.
19 Ref For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 Ref 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.
21 Ref For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 Ref 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.
23 Ref But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Ref Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
25 Ref Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
26 Ref that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.
27 Ref Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Gospel;
28 Ref and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
29 Ref Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,
30 Ref having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.