³ you have not forsaken your kindred these many days, down to this day, but have been careful to keep the charge of the Lord your God.

²³ I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better,^{(A) 24} but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. ²⁵ Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, ²⁶ so that, by my presence again with you, your boast might abound in Christ Jesus because of me.^(B)

²⁷ Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel