⁸ so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God^(A) but our lives as well.^(B)

¹⁶ This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.^(A) And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.^(B)

¹⁵ So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.^(A) If I love you more,^(B) will you love me less?

¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering^(A) on the sacrifice^(B) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.^(C)

¹¹ I long to see you^(A) so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift^(B) to make you strong— ¹² that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

¹⁷ Have confidence in your leaders^(A) and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you^(B) as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

⁸ God can testify^(A) how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ My dear children,^(A) for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,^(B)

¹ Paul, a prisoner^(A) of Christ Jesus, and Timothy^(B) our brother,^(C)

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker^(D)—

¹² Epaphras,^(A) who is one of you^(B) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,^(C) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature^(D) and fully assured.