¹ The elder,^(A)

To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

² Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. ³ It gave me great joy when some believers^(B) came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it.^{(C) 4} I have no greater joy than to hear that my children^(D) are walking in the truth.^(E)

¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶ The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.^{(A) 17} The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,^(B) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^{(C) 18} But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹ for I know that through your prayers^(D) and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ^(E) what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.^{[a](F) 20} I eagerly expect^(G) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage^(H) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,^(I) whether by life or by death.^{(J) 21} For to me, to live is Christ^(K) and to die is gain.

¹⁰ Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing^(A) prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy^(B) of the Lord is your strength.”