Philippians 1:12-26

New International Version

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

¹²Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^[a] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[b] and to everyone else that I am in chains^(A) for Christ. ¹⁴And because of my chains,^(B) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^(C)

¹⁵It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.^(D) ¹⁷The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,^(E) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.^(F) ¹⁸But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers^(G) and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ^(H) what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.^[c]^(I) ²⁰I eagerly expect^(J) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage^(K) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,^(L) whether by life or by death.^(M) ²¹For to me, to live is Christ^(N) and to die is gain. ²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart^(O) and be with Christ,^(P) which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

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Footnotes

Philippians 1:12 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 14; and in 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1, 8, 21.
Philippians 1:13 Or whole palace
Philippians 1:19 Or vindication; or salvation

Psalm 42:1-7

New International Version

BOOK II

Psalms 42–72

Psalm 42^[a]^[b]

For the director of music. A maskil^[c] of the Sons of Korah.

¹As the deer^(A) pants for streams of water,^(B)
    so my soul pants^(C) for you, my God.
²My soul thirsts^(D) for God, for the living God.^(E)
    When can I go^(F) and meet with God?
³My tears^(G) have been my food
    day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
    “Where is your God?”^(H)
⁴These things I remember
    as I pour out my soul:^(I)
how I used to go to the house of God^(J)
    under the protection of the Mighty One^[d]
with shouts of joy^(K) and praise^(L)
    among the festive throng.^(M)

⁵Why, my soul, are you downcast?^(N)
    Why so disturbed^(O) within me?
Put your hope in God,^(P)
    for I will yet praise^(Q) him,
    my Savior^(R) and my God.^(S)

⁶My soul is downcast within me;
    therefore I will remember^(T) you
from the land of the Jordan,^(U)
    the heights of Hermon^(V)—from Mount Mizar.
⁷Deep calls to deep^(W)
    in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
    have swept over me.^(X)

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Footnotes

Psalm 42:1 In many Hebrew manuscripts Psalms 42 and 43 constitute one psalm.
Psalm 42:1 In Hebrew texts 42:1-11 is numbered 42:2-12.
Psalm 42:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
Psalm 42:4 See Septuagint and Syriac; the meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.

Luke 14:1

New International Version

Jesus at a Pharisee’s House^(A)

14 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee,^(B) he was being carefully watched.^(C)

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Luke 14:1 in all English translations

Luke 14:7-11

New International Version

⁷When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table,^(A) he told them this parable: ⁸“When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. ⁹If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. ¹⁰But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. ¹¹For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”^(B)