²⁶ And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.

¹² Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us,^[a] so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.

¹⁴ even if you don’t understand us now. Then on the day when the Lord Jesus^[a] returns, you will be proud of us in the same way we are proud of you.

Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰ How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me.

⁴ Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

³ For we who worship by the Spirit of God^[a] are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort,

The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ

3 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters,^[a] rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.

¹⁶ Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. ¹⁷ But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,^[a] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. ¹⁸ Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

⁶ But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.

²⁴ You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.