¹¹ For you this whole vision^(A) is nothing but words sealed^(B) in a scroll. And if you give the scroll to someone who can read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I can’t; it is sealed.” ¹² Or if you give the scroll to someone who cannot read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I don’t know how to read.”

¹³ The Lord says:

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.^(A) And the God of peace^(B) will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.^(C) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(D) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(E) whether living in plenty or in want.^{(F) 13} I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(G)

¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share^(H) in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days^(I) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,^(J) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;^{(K) 16} for even when I was in Thessalonica,^(L) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.^{(M) 17} Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.^{(N) 18} I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus^(O) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant^(P) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs^(Q) according to the riches of his glory^(R) in Christ Jesus.

²⁰ To our God and Father^(S) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(T)

Final Greetings

²¹ Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me^(U) send greetings. ²² All God’s people^(V) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ^(W) be with your spirit.^(X) Amen.^[a]

Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer^(A)(B)

11 One day Jesus was praying^(C) in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord,^(D) teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

² He said to them, “When you pray, say:

⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; ⁶ a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ ⁷ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ ⁸ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity^[e] he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.^(H)

⁹ “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you;^(I) seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

¹¹ “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for^[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”