¹³ for it is God who works in you^(A) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.^(B)

¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling^(C) or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless^(D) and pure, “children of God^(E) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[a](F) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ^(G) that I did not run^(H) or labor in vain.^{(I) 17} But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering^(J) on the sacrifice^(K) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.^{(L) 18} So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy^(M) to you soon,^(N) that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰ I have no one else like him,^(O) who will show genuine concern for your welfare. ²¹ For everyone looks out for their own interests,^(P) not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father^(Q) he has served with me in the work of the gospel. ²³ I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.^(R)